Acceptance regarding use of optical aids among low vision elderly people

Abstract

PurposeTo verify the use of prescribed optical aids in an elderly population attended by a university visual rehabilitation service and check if the aids met their expectations. MethodA cross-sectional study was carried out. Ophthalmic reevaluation and interview were performed by means of a structured questionnaire. ResultsThe sample comprised 50 subjects aged between 60 and 90 years. Severe low vision (≤20/200) occurred in 68.0% of patients. The main cause of low vision was age-related macular degeneration (44.0%). Thirty-one patients (62.0%) had been prescribed optical aids; 54.8% of these patients stated that they use them in their daily lives. The patients reported that the aids met their expectations with total or partial satisfaction in 76.4%. About the validity of the use 70.6% held a favorable opinion. DiscussionApproximately half of those receiving prescriptions reported actually using the aids in their daily activities. Making best use of residual vision in the elderly population with visual impairment is a priority, given the social context, if the independence necessary for enhanced quality of life is to be achieved.