Preference pattern of low vision aids in glaucoma-redefining guidelines

Abstract

Context: Low vision is an important aspect of glaucoma care which required custom based prescription of low vision devices (LVDs) to suit the needs of the patient. Purpose: To evaluate preference pattern of LVDs in glaucoma patients. Setting and Design: Retrospective hospital-based review in a low vision service of a tertiary eye care center. Materials and Methods: Criteria for low vision was defined as best corrected distance visual acuity < 20/80 in the better eye with logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart and/or near visual acuity < N10 binocularly with Bailey-Lovie word reading chart and/or visual field 20° or < 20° from the point of fixation. The data collected included age, gender, diagnosis, extent of visual field loss (mean deviation and central residual field of vision), type of visual disability, and the type of low vision aid preferred by the patients for daily routine use. Statistics: Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between different variables influencing preference of particular LVD. Results: The mean age of patients (n = 67) was 50 ± 22.7 (9-83 years) which included 21 developmental (31%), 11 primary angle closure glaucoma (16%) and 35 primary open angle glaucoma (52%) with 61% older than 50 years. On multivariate regression, age < 30 years (β = −0.04, P = 0.005), color matching disability (β = 3.08, P = 0.002), glare (β = 2.04, P < 0.001) were significant influences for preference for electronic LVD. Conclusions: Younger patients < 30 years with glare and color contrast impairment may be prescribed electronic LVDs for optimal visual function.