Access To Visual Rehabilitation And Difficulties In Implementation

Abstract

Subject of visual rehabilitation with optical aids are patients with definitely reduced visual acuity, not corrected with glasses or usual lenses, hindering their daily activity. It is not about restoring the reduced vision, but about its maximum use. The purpose of this study is to analyze the possibilities of access to visual rehabilitation and the difficulties in implementing it. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the Eye Clinic “Sv. Nikolay” – Varna, for the period from 1 January 2019 to 29 February 2020. Patients diagnosed with H54 blindness according to ICD-10 were monitored and an algorithm for work has been developed. Visual rehabilitation with optical aids of patients with visual acuity ≤ 0.3 with correction of better eye or both eyes is prescribed. The results were statistically processed with Microsoft Excel 2013. Results: For the period from 1 January 2019 to 29 February 2020, 123 patients were diagnosed with blindness H54.0 – H54.7. The average age of patients with offered visual rehabilitation was 68.1 years and the women were 65%. Only 40 patients visited specialized consultation for visual rehabilitation. Of these patients, 14 were men and 26 were women, and the predominant diagnosis was AMD. The distribution according to the vision shows that the eyes with vision ≤ 0.1 are 86.25%. Only 19 of the rehabilitated patients – 38%, purchased the recommended magnifier. Of these, 13 patients or 68.4% of the cases required detailed training by the optician who consulted them. Only 36.8% is satisfied with their vision rehabilitation and uses the optical device daily. Conclusion: With the help of special reading techniques and training, magnifying devices and other advances in technology, the visually impaired can use the most of their residual vision. The most preferred optical device for them is the magnifying glass. The necessity of introducing an algorithm for low vision specialist ophthalmologists is justified. All this would expand the possibilities for visual rehabilitation and social integration of the visually impaired.