Low Vision Devices Research Articles

Unlocking Clinical Insights and the Life-Changing Impact of Low-Vision Devices in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

Objective To elucidate the clinical profile of visual impairment (VI) and the effect of low-vision devices (LVD) among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methodology A retrospective observational study was used. Case records of patients who reported to the low-vision care clinic with POAG were recruited for the study. Glaucoma was defined according to the International Society for Geographical and EO classification. Demographic data, visual acuity (LogMAR), clinical diagnosis, visual fields, occupation, and LVD prescribed were extracted from the records. The visual acuity pre- and post-use of LVD was compared. Visual acuity improvement while using the LVD was noted. Results Of the 200 POAG cases, 20% (n=40) had severe, 15.5% (n=31) had profound (<3/60), 20.5% (n=41) profound (<1/60), and 26.5% (n=53) had total blindness in the VI category. Significant improvement was noted for both distance and near vision (p=0.004 and p=0.000, respectively) for single-vision glasses, and significant improvement (p=0.000) was also noted for patients corrected for both distance and near correction (bifocal/progressive). Patients with severe visual field loss (p=0.004) and with a visual field defect of <10 degrees (p=0.000) both showed a significant improvement in near vision with low-vision rehabilitation. The proportion of patients earning showed improvement following LVD use compared to those who did not have self-earning (60% vs. 40.24%,p=0.0116). Conclusion LVD significantly improved near vision in POAG patients with advanced glaucoma, a visual field defect of less than 10 degrees. To effectively manage POAG patients with low vision, it is vital to understand both the ocular diseases causing VI and the patient's visual requirements and provide timely management.

Practice Patterns and Challenges in Managing Inherited Retinal Diseases Across Asia-Pacific: A Survey from the APIED Network

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to shed light on the current landscape of genotyping practices, phenotyping practices and availability of essential vision rehabilitation management for inherited retinal diseases (IRD) in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Region. MethodsThe 62-item questionnaire was distributed electronically via email. The questions covered five domains: (1) structure of the IRD service and registry/database; (2) genotyping practices; (3) genetic counselling; (4) deep phenotyping practices; (5) low-vision rehabilitation services. ResultsThe survey was completed by 36 of 45 centres in twelve countries and regions in APAC. Among these centres, 42 % reported managing more than 1000 patients. Notably, 39 % of centres lack an IRD database or registry, and 44 % of centres have tested less than one-quarter of their IRD patients. The majority of centres (67 %) do not have genetic counsellors. While there was consistency in the imaging-based investigations, there was marked heterogeneity for functional testing using electrophysiology and formal perimetry. Only 34 % of centres confirmed the availability of access to low-vision assistive devices. ConclusionsThis study reveals several critical gaps in managing IRDs in the APAC region. These include the lack of IRD database/registry in one-third of centres, a substantial proportion of patients remaining genetically undiagnosed, and limited availability of genetic counsellors. The findings also underscore a need to harmonise investigations for evaluating retinal function and identify areas for improvement in the provision of low-vision rehabilitation services.

Eye health knowledge, attitude, and practice among special school managers and barriers to eye health programmes in special schools in Hyderabad, India.

Children with special education needs (SEN) are at high risk of developing vision problems. In India, there is no data available on the awareness level of eye health needs of children with SEN among special school managers (SSM) and on the barriers to providing eye care for these children in schools. This study aimed to identify the awareness level among SSM and the barriers to organizing School Eye Health (SEH) programmes in special schools, as reported by the eye health program organizers. A mixed-method study was conducted between July and August 2020 among SSM and eye health programme organizers from a local eye care provider in Hyderabad, India. SSM participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning the eye health needs of children with SEN. Quantitative responses were described with summary statistics. Qualitative interviews with eye health programme organizers were conducted via telephone, and transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: In total, 13/67 (19.4%) invited SSM participated and 2/4 invited eye health programme organizers (50%) were interviewed. Among the SSM participants, 92.3% were aware of vision impaired (VI) children in their schools. Awareness of potential causes of VI ranged from 53.9%-92.3%, common eye conditions ranged from 7.7%-69.2%, and difficulties experienced by children with SEN in classroom activities ranged from 46.2%-76.9%. Only 30.8% of the special schools organized SEH programmes at least once a year. Eye health programme organizers reported barriers, such as a lack of interest from SSM, unavailability of qualified screening staff, and a lack of provision for spectacles and low-vision devices. This study identified varied levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of SSM related to the eye health needs of children with SEN. Key barriers to conducting SEH programmes included a lack of demand, inadequate human resource availability, and limited access to government-funded resources. As the study was negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic, further research with wider representation is needed to plan comprehensive eye health programmes for children with SEN.

Academic Integrity in Existing Classroom Resources and Teaching Learning Process for Children with Vision Impairment in Government Special Education Institutions of Punjab Pakistan

Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate the level of academic integrity in the provision and utilization of classroom resources and flow of the teaching-learning process for children with vision impairment (CWVI) at primary level. Design/Methodology/Approach: Non-participant classroom observations were conducted. Eight special education institutions working in various districts of Punjab were randomly selected. A self-developed, field experts validated classroom observation checklist was applied to conduct the classroom observations. All observations were carried out personally by the principal author. Researchers analyzed the data by descriptive statistics percentages of observed indicators for academic integrity. After that, a thematic analysis was carried out. Findings: The study showed that most observed classes had satisfactory classroom arrangement, teacher competence and classroom illumination. However, many observed classrooms were found with inadequate classroom arrangements and disturbing physical environment. There is a severe lack about effective use of need-based equipment, assistive aids, low-vision devices, lesson plans, student portfolios and any record of Students’ previous performance. Implications/Originality/Value: The study suggested that special education institutions should make all lacking facilities available. Refresher courses should be provided to teachers to improve their personality and teaching skills. The presence of Students’ portfolios and lesson plans should be assured.

Assessment of Level of Awareness and Barriers to Low Vision Rehabilitation Among Optometrists in Pakistan

Introduction: Low vision rehabilitation provides strategies to substitute for visual impairment and the resultant limitations of low vision by enhancing remaining vision and other sensory or motor abilities in individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of and perceived barriers to providing low vision rehabilitation by optometrists in Pakistan. Methods: In this qualitative, cross-sectional study, a convenient sample of 100 participants was included and a structured, validated, self-administered questionnaire was provided to collect demographic information and to identify the level of knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers regarding low vision rehabilitation. Data was analyzed using frequency distribution and Pearson's chi-square test to understand the significance of barriers to low vision care provision. Results: A total of 100 participants completed the study questionnaire (59 males, 41 females) with a mean age of 26 (±6.1 SD) years. Eighty-two participants (82%) had an adequate understanding of low vision as per WHO's criteria. However, 47% of participants failed to identify the steps of low vision rehabilitation. Newly graduated practicing optometrists (i.e., those with less than 3 years’ experience) had a significantly better understanding of low vision definition and low vision rehabilitation steps, as compared to more experienced optometrists ( p &lt; .05). Also, those working in private practices were more likely to consider low vision rehabilitation as less profitable ( p = .025, odds ratio = 2.56, CI = 1.1–5.8), compared to those working in hospitals. Discussion: Lack of training and unavailability of low vision devices are major barriers, as perceived by optometrists in Pakistan. Rigorous attempts are needed to educate eye care practitioners specifically optometrists about the availability and usage of low-cost, improved-quality, and up-to-date low vision devices in the country. Implications for practitioners: Continuous professional development through refresher courses is crucial to enhance knowledge of low vision rehabilitation. Educating optometrists to adopt a multidisciplinary and empathetic approach toward patient management may improve patients’ satisfaction and success with rehabilitative services.

Prescribing patterns of low-vision devices in retinochoroidal coloboma

Prescribing patterns of low-vision devices in retinochoroidal coloboma

Low vision in school-age children in Menoufia Governorate

Purpose To assess the causes and management of low vision in school-age children in Menoufia Governorate. Patients and methods This prospective study was made among 140 children with vision impairment aged from 6 to 18 years who came to the low-vision clinic of the Department of Ophthalmology of Menoufia University Hospitals with visual acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye best correction. A complete history was obtained. Complete examination of the anterior and posterior segments was done. Strabismus existence was determined. Refractive errors were measured. Before and after using low-vision aids, near and far visual acuity was measured. Results The mean age of patients was 11.94±3.61 years; 76 (54.29%) of the children were males and 64 (45.71%) of the children were females. According to the distribution of the diagnoses, hereditary fundus dystrophies were the most prevalent diagnosis among the children, accounting for 28.57% of diagnoses, followed by albinism (20%). The rehabilitation techniques that were mostly used were telescopic glasses (54.29%) for distant vision, electronic magnifiers (31.43%), and optical magnifiers (20.0%) for near vision. Low-vision devices were shown to significantly improve both near and distant visual acuity. Conclusions Visual rehabilitation for school-age children with visual impairment can result in a considerable improvement in both distant and near vision. As a result, pediatricians and ophthalmologists must recommend vision rehabilitation for children with vision impairment.

Utility values and electronic device use in low-vision people attending rehabilitation services: Data from a nation-wide registry in Italy.

To estimate utility values associated with visual loss using EuroQol (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the impact of low-vision (LV) device use on utilities and the contribution of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) score in patients attending vision rehabilitation (VR) services enrolled in the Italian Device & Aids Register (D.A.Re). This is a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study. D.A.Re. collects general and clinical information, vision-specific variables, use of electronic devices and quality of life questionnaires. A total of 442 patients (75.0±16.6 years, 275 female) were included, 88 (19.9%) used specialised electronic LV devices, and 116 (26.2%) used smartphones and tablets. Users of smartphones and tablets were younger than non-users (67.5 vs. 77.6 years, p<0.001), but overall, their age ranged between 20 and 93. Stronger associations were found between vision-specific variables and IADL score compared to EQ-5D score. In multivariable age-adjusted models, the utility value of using smartphones and tablets on EQ-5D score was 0.12 (p<0.01), slightly larger than that of 1.0 logMAR difference (-0.09, p<0.01) or visual field damage within 10° of fixation (-0.10, p<0.01). Use of portable low-vision electronic devices and being employed or student (vs. retired) was also associated with better utility values (0.12 and 0.15, respectively, p<0.05). Visual loss is associated with loss of utilities in Italian patients attending VR services, whereas special-purpose electronic aids, and smartphone and tablet use are associated with better utility values. We found that IADL may be more sensitive to visual loss than EQ-5D and could be a valid health-related quality of life outcome in trials on VR.

Effect of Low Vision Devices on Visual Acuity and Visual Function of Students of Schools for the Blind in Southeast Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of low vision aids (LVA) on the visual acuity and visual function of students of schools for the blind in South East Nigeria. Settings and design: This was a cross-sectional, interventional study conducted in three schools for the blind in Southeast, Nigeria. Methods: All students who consented and met the eligibility criteria from these schools were enlisted for the study. Each participant underwent visual acuity assessment and a thorough eye examination, which included tests involving low vision aids. Participants who had improvement in their vision were provided with low vision aids and reassessed four months later. In addition, changes in functional vision were assessed using the LV Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire. Results: Ninety-two students made up of 52 (57.0%) men and 40 (43.0%) women were examined. The mean age was 18.4 ± 6.4 years. Eighty-eight (95.7%) students had visual acuity &lt;3/60 in the better eye before refraction. Eleven (12%) students had improvement in visual acuity to ≥6/60 in the better eye with refraction. Thirteen (14.1%) students had improvement by at least one grade of the WHO visual acuity categories with the use of low vision aids and 10 (76.9%) of these were able to read N10 or better. The improvement in functional vision was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Low Vision Aids are important in the rehabilitation of students with residual vision.

Barriers to utilizing low vision devices among non-users with low vision: A cross-sectional study

Background: By recognizing and comprehending the obstacles that prevent low vision devices (LVDs) from being used effectively, the burden of blindness can be reduced. Objective: To find the barriers to the utilization of low-vision devices (LVDs) among non-users in patients with low vision. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the low vision department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan for a duration of six months from July 2021 to December 2021. Low-vision individuals with visual acuity ˂6/18 fulfilling the criteria of low vision and prescribed low-vision devices over the period of 6 months but not using them were included in this study. A total of n=420 patients were evaluated for eligibility, out of which n=255 were prescribed low-vision devices due to low vision. The data was collected on the self-structured questionnaire in accordance with the tenets of Helsinki’s declaration. Results: Out of n=255, a total of n=105 were using (acceptance) and n=150 were not using (non-acceptance) the LVDs. Out of 15 possible barriers, fear of being perceived as blind N=120(80%) is the major cause of non-acceptance of devices among low-vision individuals. It was followed by difficulty in handling low-vision devices n=106(70.7%) and low affordability n=106(70.7%). While fear of loss of job 2(1.3%) was selected as the least occurring problem in non-acceptance of devices. Conclusions: Leading barriers included stigma, lack of information, concern over losing one's job, fear of being viewed as blind, and low necessity. Keywords: blindness; low vision; low-vision devices.

Causes of Visual Impairment and Types of Low Vision Aids Prescribed in Low Vision Clinic, Sibu Hospital, Sarawak

This study was to determine the causes of visual impairment and to identify the low vision prescribing pattern among Low Vision Clinic (LVC) patients in the Sibu Hospital. This study was conducted retrospectively among 41 patients attending the LVC, Sibu Hospital. Patients’ demographic characteristics, causes of low vision and blindness, and types of low vision devices prescribed were recorded and analysed for 21 (52.5%) males and 19 (47.5%) females. The mean age was 39.38 ± 17.98 years. The main causes of visual impairment were retinal dystrophies in 12 cases (30.0%) followed by neurological causes in 9 cases (22.5%), glaucoma in 8 cases (20.0%), and acquired macular disorders in 4 cases (10.0%). A total of 27 low vision devices were dispensed, 85.2% (n = 23) were near devices and 14.8% (n = 4) were distance devices. The most frequently prescribed low vision devices (LVD) were video magnifiers (37.0%), followed by hand magnifiers (22.2%), spectacle magnifiers (14.8%), telescopes (14.8%) and stand magnifiers (11.1%). The main leading causes of visual impairment in LVC Sibu Hospital were retinal dystrophies. Video magnifiers were the most common type of low-vision device prescribed. A prompt comprehensive screening is urged for family members with retinal dystrophies to detect the diseases early and hence timely exposure to low vision care and rehabilitation. Familial counselling on inherited retinal diseases and better screening by primary eye care providers are required. Low vision services should be an integral part of the eye care systems in Malaysia.

Comparison of Reading Speed in Low Vision Patients Using Different Types of Low Vision Devices Having Same Magnification Power

Comparison of Reading Speed in Low Vision Patients Using Different Types of Low Vision Devices Having Same Magnification Power

Efficacy of low-vision devices in elderly population with age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of blindness, residual damage to macular area in spite of treatment necessitates visual rehabilitation by means of low-vision aids (LVAs). Thirty patients suffering from different stages of AMD requiring LVAs were included in this prospective study. Patients with nonprogressive, adequately treated AMD were enrolled over a 12-month period, prescribed requisite LVAs and followed-up for a minimum 1-month period. Before and after provision of LVAs, near work efficiencies were evaluated by calculating reading speed as words per minute (wpm) under both photopic and mesopic light conditions, and impact of poor vision on activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified by modified standard questionnaire based on Nhung X et al. questionnaire. Of the 30 patients mean studied with mean age of 68 ± 10 years, 20 patients (66.7%) had dry AMD in better eye and 10 (33.3%) had wet AMD. Post-LVA, near visual acuity improved significantly and all cases were able to read some letters on near vision chart with an average improvement of 2.4 ± 0.96 lines. The different LVAs prescribed were high plus reading spectacles (up to 10 D) in 23.3%, hand-held magnifiers in 53.3%, base in prisms in 10%, stand held magnifiers in 6.7%, and bar and dome magnifiers in 3.3%. LVAs are effective in visual rehabilitation in patients with AMD. Self-reported reduction in visual dependency and improvement in vision-related quality of life post use of aids corroborated perceived benefit.

Artificial intelligence enabled smart digital eye wearables.

Smart eyewear is a head-worn wearable device that is evolving as the next phase of ubiquitous wearables. Although their applications in healthcare are being explored, they have the potential to revolutionize teleophthalmology care. This review highlights their applications in ophthalmology care and discusses future scope. Smart eyewear equips advanced sensors, optical displays, and processing capabilities in a wearable form factor. Rapid technological developments and the integration of artificial intelligence are expanding their reach from consumer space to healthcare applications. This review systematically presents their applications in treating and managing eye-related conditions. This includes remote assessments, real-time monitoring, telehealth consultations, and the facilitation of personalized interventions. They also serve as low-vision assistive devices to help visually impaired, and can aid physicians with operational and surgical tasks. Wearables such as smart eyewear collects rich, continuous, objective, individual-specific data, which is difficult to obtain in a clinical setting. By leveraging sophisticated data processing and artificial intelligence based algorithms, these data can identify at-risk patients, recognize behavioral patterns, and make timely interventions. They promise cost-effective and personalized treatment for vision impairments in an effort to mitigate the global burden of eye-related conditions and aging.

Factors associated with patient preference of optical low vision devices in North West Nigeria.

Purpose: The study was conducted to identify factors associated with patients’ preferences with optical low vision devices in North West Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A mixed method study approach was adopted for this study. The study sample consisted of 219 patients seen over a 5-year period (2010-2015) who received optical low vision devices at the Low Vision Clinic of Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), Jigawa State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews with 9 Low vision optometrists practicing in North Western Nigeria were also conducted. Data were summarized and presented in tables and figures. Chi square test statistics was used to test for association between categorical variables @ 95% confidence interval.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the 219 records of low vision patients reviewed was 45.28 20.22 and 162 (74%) were males. Age and occupation had statistically significant association with use of magnifiers (χ2=15.201,P=0.004 and χ2=29.261, P=0.001, respectively). Patients between 30 and 59 years preferred spectacle magnifiers while younger patients (&lt;30 years) preferred stand magnifiers. A statistically significant association was found between the younger age group (χ2=12.127, P=0.002), students (χ2=13.517, P= 0.004) and telescope use. Results from the key informant interview showed that age, cosmetic appeal and ease of use were considered major factors to patient preference of optical low vision devices.&#x0D; Conclusion: Age and occupation were the only demographic factors significantly associated with patient preference with optical low vision devices. Information from this study would be of benefit to low vision practitioners in the stocking and cost effective management of low vision patients.

Prevalence and causes of visual impairment and use of low-vision devices at a tertiary eye hospital in western Uttar Pradesh, India

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the hospital-based prevalence and major causes of visual impairment in patients attending the low-vision clinic of a tertiary eye institute. Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective non-intervention hospital-based study. Clinical records of visually impaired patients presented to the department of low vision from February 2017 to December 2021 were retrieved. Blindness has been defined as the best-corrected distance visual acuity of &lt;3/60 and/or &lt;10° visual field in the better eye. Low vision was defined as a best-corrected distance visual acuity of &lt;6/18 but equal to or better than 3/60 in the better eye. The presenting visual acuity, causes of low vision and blindness, and prescribed low-vision devices were recorded and analyzed to determine the prevalence and major causes of visual impairment. Results: Among 414 visually impaired patients, the prevalence of low vision and blindness was 52.9% (n = 219) and 47.1% (n = 195), respectively. Retinitis pigmentosa (n = 57, 13.8%) and glaucoma (n = 43, 10.4%) were the major causes of low vision; however, glaucoma (n = 55, 13.3%) and cortical visual impairment (CVI) (n = 37, 8.9%) were the major causes of blindness. A total of 229 low-vision devices were dispensed, of them 166 (40.1%) were distance and 63 (15.1%) were near devices. Conclusion: The hospital-based prevalence of low-vision patients was more as compared to blindness. The major causes of visual impairment were retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, and CVI. A comprehensive approach to the causes of low vision and low-vision services is needed to reduce the burden of visual impairment in the country.

Changes in visual acuity using low vision devices in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy: A retrospective study.

This study was conducted to estimate the visual acuity improvement in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) with the help of low vision devices (LVDs) and to analyze the types of distant and near LVDs prescribed to the patients with LHON. A retrospective case review of 74 subjects with LHON who were referred to a low vision care clinic at a tertiary eye center from 2016 to 2019 were recruited. The reason for referral was assessed from the patients' electronic medical records (EMR). Demographic data of the patients, visual acuity status, type of LVD prescribed, and visual acuity improvement with LVD were documented. Out of 74 patients, 91.9% (n = 68) were male, and the median age of patients was 21 (16) years. A 4× monocular telescope was prescribed for 2.7% of patients (n = 2) and SEETV binocular telescope for 1.4% (n = 1) was advised for distance. The most commonly prescribed near LVD was the 6× cutaway stand magnifier for 22 patients (29.7%). Four patients (5.4%) were prescribed with Notex, the most commonly prescribed non-optical LVD. Niki CCTV (12.2%, n=9) was the most commonly prescribed assistive device. The subjects were divided into three groups based on age: group I consisted of those <18 years of age, group II 18-40 years, and group III >40 years for the interpretation of visual improvement. There was a statistically significant improvement (group I: P < 0.001, group II: P < 0.0001, group III: P < 0.003) in near vision with help of LVDs in all three groups. The use of LVDs and rehabilitation can help patients with LHON to lead a better life and will be more beneficial.

The use of augmented reality and virtual reality for visual field expansion and visual acuity improvement in low vision rehabilitation: a systematic review.

Developments in image processing techniques and display technology have led to the emergence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-based low vision devices (LVDs). However, their promise and limitations in low vision rehabilitation are poorly understood. The objective of this systematic review is to appraise the application of AR/VR LVDs aimed at visual field expansion and visual acuity improvement in low vision rehabilitation. A systematic search of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, HealthStar, and National Library of Medicine (PubMed) from inception to March 6, 2022. Articles were eligible if they included an AR or VR LVD tested on a sample of individuals with low vision and provided visual outcomes such as visual acuity, visual fields, and object recognition. Of the 652 articles identified, 16 studies comprising 382 individuals with a mean age of 52.17 (SD = 18.30) years, and with heterogeneous low vision etiologies (i.e., glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa) were included in this systematic review. Most articles used AR (53%), VR (40%), and one article used both AR and VR. The main visual outcomes evaluated were visual fields (67%), visual acuity (65%), and contrast sensitivity (27%). Various visual enhancement techniques were employed including variable magnification using digital zoom (67%), contrast enhancements (53%), and minification (27%). AR LVDs were reported to expand the visual field from threefold to ninefold. On average, individuals using AR/VR LVDs experienced an improved in visual acuity from 0.9 to 0.2 logMAR. Ten articles were classified as high or moderate risk of bias. AR/VR LVDs were found to afford visual field expansion and visual acuity improvement in low vision populations. Even though the results of this review are promising, the lack of controlled studies with well-defined populations, use of small, convenience samples, and incomplete reporting of inclusion and exclusion criteria among included studies makes it challenging to judge the true impact of these devices. Future studies should address these limitations and compare various AR/LVDs to determine what is the ideal LVD type and vision enhancement combination based on the user's level of visual ability and lifestyle.

The Speed of Reading with Different Low Vision Devices in Emmetropic Subjects: Prospective Study

Purpose: To see the reading speed with different low vision devices having same magnification i.e. 2X in emmetropic subjects Objective: To rule out any kind of device this may be of help in future for low vision patients via emmetropic subjects. Material &amp; Methods: The prospective study consists 200 emmetropic subjects of age ranging from 15 to 35 years. The all subject has been asked to read Hindi newspaper of same fonts under same room illumination, magnification and under a constant time period of 1 minute with 5 low vision devices (LVD). The LVD uses were 2x bar magnifier, 2x dome magnifier (55M), 2x dome magnifier (65M), 2x spectacle magnifier and 2x pocket magnifier. Results: Among 200 emmetropic subjects, 126 were males and 74 were female. The mean age of 200 subjects was 22.91 ± 3.92 years. The mean number of letters read with 2x Bar Magnifier was 442.13 ± 165.316, 2x Dome Magnifier (55M) was 440.4 ± 173.352, 2x Spectacle Magnifier was 484.21 ± 486.316, 2x Pocket Magnifier was 443.63 ± 170.374, 2x Dome Magnifier (65M) was 450.98 ± 259.690 in one minute. When one device was compared with other four devices it was found that none of the device showed statistically significance. Conclusion: None of the device was found to be statistically significant, so equally all the magnifiers can be useful and can be used as a startup for low vision patients.

Low-vision intervention for oculocutaneous albinism in a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in India.

The objective of this study on patients with albinism in different age groups was to compare their level of visual impairment with the low-vision intervention (LVI) and its benefit. The medical records of 72 patients with low vision secondary to albinism who were referred to the low vision care clinic from 2015 to 2017 were analyzed. This included the demographic profile such as age, gender, occupation, ocular history, visual acuity status, and type of low-vision device (LVD) preferred. The LVDs prescribed and its subsequent improvement was compared. In this data, 70 (97.2%) people had oculocutaneous albinism and 2 (2.8%) had ocular albinism. Majority of the patients had hyperopic astigmatism 42 (58.3%) and with-the-rule astigmatism 58 (93.5%). Presenting mean visual acuity for distance was noted to be 0.88 logMAR which improved to 0.83 logMAR with the help of spectacle correction. The most commonly prescribed LVD was a dome magnifier for 15 (34.9%) patients. In all the patients, there was statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in near vision with the help of LVDs. The study highlights the importance of appropriate LVI for each subdivided age group. Patients with albinism who have received medical and surgical treatment have no or a limited role in restoring useful vision.