title: Results obtained with low vision aids. A retrospective study.
abstract: In this retrospective study of 261 patients (181 female and 80 male) the results obtained in a special low vision clinic are described. The mean age of the patients was 73.5 years (range 16-95 years). Visual acuity of the best eye was less than or equal to 0.08 in 26 patients (10.0%); better than 0.08 but less than or equal to 0.25 in 130 (50%); 0.30 in 62 (23.8%) and better than 0.30 in 42 patients (16.1%). Persons with a visual acuity better than 0.30 either could not read normal print or had restricted visual fields. Main causes of visual impairment were macular degeneration (38.9%), diabetic retinopathy (16.1%), glaucoma (8.4%) and cataract (7.4%). Low vision aids could be prescribed for 208 persons (79.7%). Follow-up of an average of 12 months (range, 3-22 months) was carried out in 250 cases (96%). In this period 24 patients (9%) died. At least 161 persons (62%) used their aids regularly, i.e. 77% of the patients who were given a low vision aid.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Elkerliek Hospital, Helmond, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: van Rens
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Chmielowski
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Lemmens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011932:Reading; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012682:Sensory Aids; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014792:Visual Acuity