Profile of a low vision population

Abstract

The main purpose of the study is to assess the cause of low vision and types of low vision devices prescribed over the period of 20 months.A retrospective study of 114 patients examined at BPKLCOS low vision clinic over the period of 20 months was reviewed and information was extracted. Age and gender, education and occupation, house location, cause of visual impairment and types of low vision devices prescribed were analyzed.The majority of patients (58%) were from the younger age groups less than 30 years of age. Older age group more than 65 years comprised of 15%. A significant numbers of low vision patients were of pediatric age group (29%). 69% patients were male and 31% were female. Male were found to be predominant in all age groups. The major cause of low vision was found to be diabetic retinopathy (15.8%) followed by macular diseases (13.2%), ARMD (10.5%), Retinitis Pigmentosa (9.6%) and Amblyopia (8.8%). The commonest low vision device prescribed was spectacle magnifier (34.9%) followed by hand-held magnifier (18.5%).The majority of low vision patients were of younger age groups. However, the main cause of low vision was diabetic retinopathy. Males were found to seek low vision service much more than females. The commonest low vision device prescribed was spectacle magnifier.