Quality of life in children with low vision following use of low vision aids.

Abstract

CONTEXT:Vision loss early in life has profound functional and psychological implications. Functional vision, defined as vision that can be used to perform a task(s) requiring vision, can be assessed by a number of tools. Questionnaires are a popular tool.AIMS:This study aimed at assessing the vision-related quality of life (QOL) with the help of LV Prasad-Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP-FVQ) and also to analyze the outcome of baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after the introduction of low vision aids (LVAs) in children with low vision (LV).SETTINGS AND DESIGN:This was a prospective, longitudinal study.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Thirty children aged between 8 and 18 years with LV were recruited and prescribed LVAs for distance and/or near based on their needs. The QOL and BCVA for distance and near were assessed before and 3 months after the introduction of LVAs.STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Student's t-test was used to calculate the P value.RESULTS:There was a significant improvement in the vision-related QOL (P < 0.001) as well as the baseline BCVA (P = 0.002), 3 months after use of LVAs.CONCLUSION:LVAs are effective in improving the vision-related QOL and can also act as vision stimulator.