Productivity Loss and Predictive Factors Among Visually Impaired Adults in Tertiary Eye Care Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Dual-Center Cross-Sectional Study

Falls are an alarming health problem and a major cause of injury among the elderly. The healthcare cost associated with falls is considerable. Visual acuity has been found to be an independent risk factor for falls; however, the results are not unanimous. Moreover, other aspects of visual function such as visual field, contrast sensitivity and depth perception have not been adequately investigated in relation to falls. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the relationship between visual function, duration, and main causes of visual impairment, and falls in individuals with low vision. This was a cross-sectional study involving participants attending a public tertiary eye care hospital. Participants were mobile, aged 60 years or above, and had low vision (visual acuity >0.3 LogMAR in the better eye). Details about falls in the previous 12 months and other information were collected, and patients completed a questionnaire about activities of daily living. The duration and main causes of visual impairment, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and visual field were assessed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to characterize the participants' sociodemographic and clinical data. One hundred and twenty seven patients (53%; 67 males) with a mean age of 76.3+/-8.3 years were recruited. Thirty seven percent of the participants (n=47) had mild, 50% (n=64) moderate and 13% (n=16) severe visual impairment (>0.3-0.5; >0.5-1.0; and >1.0 LogMAR respectively). The frequencies of single and multiple falls were 42.5% and 12.6% respectively. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, visual field, main cause, and duration of visual impairment were not significantly associated with falls (p>0.05). In multiple regression analyses, physical inactivity remained the only variable independently associated with falls in all models except for visual field. Overall, visually impaired people were three times more likely to fall if they were physically inactive. Visual function, duration and main causes of visual impairment are not independently associated with falls in people with low vision. However, a significant relationship between non-participation in physical activity and falls was found. Further work is required to investigate the association between vision-related factors and falls in older people with visual impairment.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess vision-related quality of life and associated factors among adult patients with visual impairment at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods The institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 24 to May 12, 2017, at the University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center among 484 patients with visual impairment. Pretested, structured National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 was used to collect data by interviewing. Data were entered using EPI-INFO version 3.5.1 and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with vision-related quality of life. Variables with p value <0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant. Result A total of 484 study subjects participated with a response rate of 98.9%. The median age of the participants was 60 years with the interquartile range of 25 years. The proportion of poor vision-related quality of life was 238 (49.2%) (95% CI: 44.2%–53.3%). Age >75 years (AOR = 1.87 (95% CI: 1.02–3.40)), rural residency (AOR = 1.71 (95% CI: 1.13–2.60)), severe visual impairment/blindness (AOR = 2.76 (95% CI: 1.80–4.23)), and history of visual impairment longer than 3 years (AOR = 2.85 (95% CI: 1.61–5.04)) had statistically significant association with poor vision-related quality of life. Conclusion Almost half of the patients with visual impairment had poor vision-related quality of life. Severe visual impairment/blindness, long duration of visual impairment, older age, and rural residency had a statistically significant association with poor vision-related quality of life.

Objective To understand the development of psychosocial adaptation and life quality of patients with visual impairment, as well as their relationship. Methods Researches about impact of psychosocial adaptation on life quality of patients with visual impairment underwent document retrieval and the results went through analysis. Results Cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration caused different degree of visual impairment, furthermore influence physical, psychosocial adaptation and life quality of these patients. Some scales were compiled by some scholars at home and abroad to evaluate the influence degree of these factors, but tools to test psychosocial adaptation lacked. Conclusions Researches on quality of life for a single eye impairment are more than those on the relationship between psychosocial adaptation and quality of life. At the same time, it is necessary to develop a tool to measure psychosocial adaptation of visual function impairment. Key words: Visual function impairment; Eye disease; Psychosocial adaptation; Quality of life

The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by undergraduate students with visual impairment at Taibah University during COVID-19 Outbreak. The study focused on two main variables: gender and degree of visual impairment. The sample of the study consisted of 87 undergraduate students with visual impairment enrolled in the academic year 1442 H. The data collection instruments consisted of 35 statements divided into five dimensions: online learning, financial, social, psychological, and physical mobility to examine participants’ challenges. The results of the showed that the challenges faced students with visual impairment are financial, psychological, social, online learning and physical mobility challenges. The results also showed that there were statistically significant differences based on gender with females facing more challenges than males. Regarding the degree of visual impairment, there were statistically significant differences based on the degree of visual impairment with blind students facing more challenges than low vision students. Keywords: Challenges, undergraduate, visual impairment, COVID-19, university students

To collect data on refractive errors and visual impairment in adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in the Netherlands. A randomized sample of 2100 participants was drawn from a base population of 9000 adults with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands. This article reports on the first 900 participants. All participants underwent a protocol-based on-site ophthalmological assessment carried out by skilled investigators. Co-operation was classified according to the number of tests that could be carried out reliably and was good or excellent in 80% of subjects, average in 13% and poor in 7%. Refraction could be reliably assessed in 505/900 (56%) subjects. There was an increased risk of visual impairment in all subgroups compared to the general Dutch population. Visual acuity (VA) was related to the level of ID, but refractive errors were not. New spectacles were prescribed in 106 cases (12%). Of 374 people in whom both monocular VA and the refractive error of the right eye could be reliably assessed, 153 (41%) had a pretest prescription, 16 (10%) of which we found to be inadequate. Of the 221 participants without a pretest prescription, 41 (19%) benefited from correction. Only 38/84 (45%) subjects aged 50 years or older, who could benefit from correction for near vision, had near spectacles. New correction increased the mean distant VA significantly from 0.44 to 0.65 (p < 0.0005). With some adaptations, visual screening is feasible in a majority of adults with ID. Visual impairment and refractive errors are much more prevalent in adults with ID than in the normal population. Accurate spectacle correction resulted in significant improvement in distant VA.

Visual impairment, but not hearing impairment, is independently associated with lower subjective well-being among individuals over 95 years of age: A population-based study

Mobile phones have been regarded as an enabler that reduces barriers in a disabling environment. Therefore, disability research has focused on the social inclusion consequences of this technology. Adopting the uses and gratifications approach, this study examines the correlation between access to mobile phones and the social participation and social relationships of people with visual impairment. This study conducts a survey and demonstrates that mobile phones facilitate the social inclusion of people with visual impairment, while creating a social inclusion gap between people with different degrees of visual impairment and socioeconomic status. Partially sighted people have more possibilities to explore the physical world, while blind people with lower socioeconomic status are restricted to the digital space. Therefore, technology could create a new form of digital exclusion and widen the social inclusion gap among people with visual impairment. Points of interest Mobile phones have been regarded as an enabler that reduces barriers in a disabling environment. This study found that mobile phones can provide opportunities for people with visual impairment, while posing potential risks. The use of and gratification associated with mobile phones affect the social inclusion outcomes of people with visual impairment. However, they may also create social inclusion gaps between people with different degrees of visual impairment and socioeconomic status. Partially sighted people have more possibilities to explore the physical world, while blind people with lower socioeconomic status may be restricted to the digital space created by technology. Technology carries some risks of creating a new form of digital exclusion and widening the social inclusion gap among people with visual impairment.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities (VRIA), the degree of visual impairment and associations with VRIA among adults, aged 40–69 years, in...

Despite the increase in socio-health conditions and, in general, the focus on health worldwide, many diseases still adversely affect the quality of life (QoL), including those causing vision loss. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the QoL of people with visual impairments through a questionnaire and identify issues concerning everyday life in the urban and extra-urban areas of Turin. A personalized questionnaire including 25 questions was distributed to 100 enrolled patients. It was designed by integrating the most widely used questionnaires related to the QoL of people with visual impairment with questions concerning the city of Turin. The inclusion criteria were any degree of visual impairment (from mild defect to complete blindness), according to Law n. 138/2001 classification. The exclusion criteria were mental disability and residence in care homes. Finally, statistical analysis was performed. Pearson's Chi-Square test was used to evaluate the strength of the association between two qualitative variables in different sections of the questionnaire. The results were classified as statistically significant with a p-value of ≤0.05 or borderline (0.05 < p-value<0.10). Based on responses to question 7 (Q7), 67% of selected patients stated that sight markedly influences their QoL. Moreover, 49% of patients responding to question 12 considered themselves almost completely dependent on other people regarding mobility and movement in and around Turin. In total, 57% used public transport (Q13); however, 50% of them found it challenging to access (Q14). Personal aids (e.g., white cane and magnifying glasses) were adopted only by 51% (Q15), and 63% of patients responding to question 18 suggested a refinement of urban aids (e.g., road signs). Of the 53 patients, 30 patients (56.6%) considered Turin a livable city for visually impaired people (Q19); however, 44 patients (84.6%) reported no significant improvements in Turin's urban logistics during the last 5 years and highlighted the urgent need to improve urban aids (Q21). Furthermore, the statistical associations studied showed that the loss of vision plays a significant role in influencing the perception of one's QoL (association of questions 7 and 8, X2 = 112.119, Cramer's V = 0.548, p-value <0.001). In addition, it is more difficult for visually impaired patients living outside the city to move outdoors (Chi-Square = 10.637, Cramer's V = 0.326, p - 245 value = 0.031) and to cross the street (Chi-Square = 14.102, Cramer's V = 0.376, p-250 value = 0.007). Finally, those who feel independent perceive their lives to be more fulfilling (Chi-Square = 268, X2 = 37.433; Cramer's V = 0.306, p value = 0.002). Our study showed how vision loss plays a remarkable role in influencing the perception of one's QoL. Furthermore, it highlighted how the implementation of mobility and the use of personal aids for living in a city, such as Turin, were associated with a better perception of QoL by visually impaired patients. However, it is necessary to improve urban technological development according to the needs of people with visual disability.

Mainly laser classification is taken into account when risk assessment is carried out. In this case deterministic potential damage to the eyes is considered. On the other hand indirect effects as a result of glare by laser radiation can lead to dangerous situations, especially for activities that depend on an unrestricted vision. Currently it is required by national and regional regulations that the risks based on temporary blinding must be taken into account. In this context, the duration of a visual impairment is of great importance; however knowledge of exposure limits for disability glare is not widespread. To determine functional relationships various test setups have been realized, and thus the duration of visual impairment as a function of laser exposure at various wavelengths has been measured experimentally with several subjects. Additional to the laser wavelengths 532 nm and 632.8 nm, LEDs with wavelengths at 455 nm, 520 nm, 530 nm, 590 nm, 593 nm, 625 nm, and 638 nm have been used. For colored LED radiation it was found that the duration of the visual impairment does not depend in the same marmer on the angular subtense and on the size of the apparent source, like in the case of the exposure limit values. In addition to direct glare from the laser source during the irradiation the vision loss is caused primarily by afterimages, whose intensity and duration depends on various factors. The so-called “flight of colors” of an afterimage and its time decay plays an important role for the visual impairment, but is not simply related in order to directly determine its duration. For this purpose, special eye test tasks, based on a modified Landolt-C visual test or on a reading task, were developed and the visual impairment determined. Additionally the visual task had been modified in order to simulate a task which might occur in a cockpit. As a key parameter in addition to the optical power, the respective exposure duration was considered. It was found that even relatively low laser powers of a few microwatts and exposure durations even less than a second led to significant vision impairment. The duration of visual impairment can be described as a logarithmic function of the incident optical energy and this enables the derivation of thresholds for glare. The wavelength dependence of impairment of glare is much lower than it could be expected from the well-known CIE standard photopic luminosity function.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To estimate productivity losses amongst people with impaired vision in Portugal and to investigate explanatory factors associated with non-participation in the labour market.Methods: A total of 546 visually impaired individuals participated in face-to-face interviews. Participants were asked about their workforce participation to determine productivity (employment status questionnaire), their health-related quality of life – HRQoL (EQ-5D) and their visual acuity and visual ability (Activity Inventory). Productivity losses included absenteeism and reduction in workforce participation. Logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with participation in the labour market.Results: From the 546 participants, 50% were retired, 47% were of working age and 3% were students. The employment rate was 28%, and the unemployment rate was 21% for the working age sample. For those of working age, productivity losses were estimated at €1.51 million per year, mean of €5496 per participant. The largest contributor to productivity losses was reduced workforce participation, estimated from 159 early retired or unemployed participants. After controlling for visual acuity and ability, younger individuals, with more years of education, without comorbidities and high HRQoL had a higher probability of being employed.Conclusions: Our findings show a high unemployment rate and high productivity losses amongst people with impaired vision. The probability of being employed was associated with education, HRQoL and comorbidities. We speculate that promoting education and health through effective visual rehabilitation programs may help to increase participation in the labour market. These findings can inform decisions to intervene to reduce the burden of vision loss.

Purpose: In this study, we aimed at correlating the curve of visual impairment against pituitary macroadenoma size.&#x0D; Method: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the visual correlation between the volume and dimensions of pituitary adenoma and the degree of visual impairment on patients’ examination. 35 patients with no history of eye or refraction disorder were included in the study. Spearman correlation test was used to validate the correlation.&#x0D; Results: 57 % of pituitary macroadenoma patients suffer from visual impairment, even if not the primary presentation. Macroadenomas greater than 5 cm³ in volume and/or 2 cm height are more likely to cause various degrees of visual impairment, this correlation is not linear beyond these values.&#x0D; Conclusion: Visual impairment due to pituitary adenomas is more frequent than the presentation, the threshold volume is 5 cm³ and height is 2 cm, bigger adenomas behaviour is more multifactorial than the only size.

Patients have always been the main stakeholders in the modern world of medicine. Objective: To assess the level of satisfaction of people with low vision with the provision of low vision services at Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar. Moreover, to compare the satisfaction level of people with low vision concerning the degree of vision impairment. Methods: An interviewer-administered, questionnaire (PSQ-18), was used to collect data from 125 low-vision patients at a low-vision clinic. The survey used Likert's five-point rating scale to measure satisfaction with LV services. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: The results of the study demonstrated that the vast majority of study participants (n = 62, 50%) were delighted with the low vision care they received, followed by thirty-eight (30.4%) participants who remained satisfied, whereas twelve (9.6%) patients were dissatisfied. Male participants were more likely to be satisfied (94%) than female participants (63%). Amongst the total study participants, the proportion of participants with moderate vision impairment was approximately doubled as compared to those with severe vision impairment. Conclusions: The study found that moderate vision impairment participants were more satisfied than those with severe impairment, indicating an inverse relationship between satisfaction and the degree of vision impairment. 99% of participants were satisfied with the technical quality of the services provided.

To find out the level of eye care service utilization and its determinants among the elderly visually impaired populations while visiting ophthalmic outreach locations in North-Western Ethiopia, 2021. An ophthalmic outreach-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 852 visually impaired older people. Participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling method from January to July 2021. Data were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and an ocular examination. The collected data were entered into the Epi Info 7, and analyzed using SPSS 20. A binary logistic regression was fitted. A total of 821 participants, with a response rate of 96.5%, were included in the study. The utilization of eye care services within the past two years prior to the study was 21.1% (95 % CI: 18.2-23.9). Having systemic disease (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-7.0), being a spectacle wearer (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.0-9.4), having visual impairment at distance (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5-5.6), being blind (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5-5.6), duration of visual impairment 1 year (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3-4.9) were all significantly associated. In this study, utilization of eye care services was low. Being visually impaired at distance, being blind, recent onset of visual impairment, being a spectacle wearer, and having systemic disease were all related to the use of eye care services. The commonest barriers to utilization of eye care services were financial scarcity and long distances between eye care facilities.

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Unresolved cataract primarily has caused patients to have disturbance in carrying out daily activities, thus lowering their quality of life (QoL). We aim to use the Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) questionnaire, one of the most frequently used tools, to discover the extent of daily activities disturbance in patients with cataract.&#x0D; Methods : In this observational study, we conducted eye screening to 47 subjects in Jonggol subdistrict, Bogor, Indonesia. Patients were asked several questions based on the translated VF-14 questionnaire into Bahasa and also tested to find out their best-corrected visual acuities. Lens examination was carried on using handheld slit lamp.&#x0D; Results : Out of all 47 subjects, 34 (72,3%) patients had cataract that was marked by lens opacities in either one or both eyes. According to distant vision impairment categories by International Classification of Diseases 11, 8,8% of cataract patients had normal vision from the better eye, 20,6% had mild, 64,7% had moderate, 0% had severe impairment, and 5,9% had blindness. From the assessment using VF-14 translated questionnaire, 14,7% subjects had no disruption in doing daily activities, 82,3% had disruption, and 2,9% could not do the mentioned activities at all. From the Spearman correlation test, there was a significant association with moderate correlation between the degree of vision impairment and QoL (p = 0.006, rs = 0.459).&#x0D; Conclusion : The majority of cataract patients in Jonggol subdistrict had moderate vision impairment and had disruption in doing daily activities, therefore lowering their QoL.