Blindly Research Articles

Braille Smart Book with Audio Connection QR Code to Improve the Teeth-Brushing Skills of Blind Children

Background: Since one of the things that prevents blind people from learning about dental and oral health is poor eyesight, the dental and oral health of blind children is typically worse than that of persons with normal vision. The average score is 35% of children who can brush their teeth properly and correctly. Blind children have difficulty interpreting what they should do. To overcome this, the media "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" was created to improve the teeth brushing skills of blind children. Research Objective: To produce "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" media that is effective and feasible to implement to improve the teeth brushing skills of blind children. Method: Using the Research and Development (R&D) method with a pre-experiment research design (One Group pre-test and post-test design). With a sample size of 20 blind children, they were given intervention with "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" for 10 days. Results: The media expert validated the "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" using the interclass correlation coefficient test and obtained a value of 0.935. "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" has been proven effective in improving the teeth brushing skills of blind children. Conclusion: The media "Braille Smart Book With Audio Connection QR Code" is effective in improving the teeth brushing skills of blind children.

Cross - cultural adaptation of the Low Vision Quality of life scale

IntroductionThe quality of life related to visual function is a multidimensional construct that complements the functional assessment of patients with low vision. It shows the individual's perception of the course of ocular disease and its treatment within the framework of a value system and a sociocultural context. This clinical-epidemiological outcome is recognized as objective and valuable. MethodologyA content validation study was conducted, which involved translating and back-translating the scale to evaluate semantic, idiomatic, conceptual, and experiential equivalence in the resulting version. The study included the participation of 21 individuals, and a quantitative evaluation was performed using Aiken's V coefficient to analyze the scores assigned in the categories of relevance and experiential capacity. ResultsThe questionnaire presentation was reorganized. The examples were expanded, and some optical aids were mentioned. Additionally, terms were changed to improve comprehension and reduce rudeness. Out of the 25 items, 11 had an Aiken V coefficient of less than 1.0. ConclusionsThe obtained version is comparable to the original questionnaire. However, the idiomatic twists specific to the local context emphasize the need for content validation to ensure correct interpretation and contribute to the updating of the scale.

The multiple mediating effects of vision-specific factors and depression on the association between visual impairment severity and fatigue: a path analysis study

BackgroundSevere fatigue is a common symptom for people with visual impairment, with a detrimental effect on emotional functioning, cognition, work capacity and activities of daily living. A previous study found that depression was one of the most important determinants of fatigue, but less is known about disease-specific factors in this patient population. This study aimed to explore the association between visual impairment severity and fatigue in adults with low vision, both directly and indirectly, with vision-specific factors and depression as potential mediators.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected from 220 Dutch low vision service patients by telephone interviews. Fatigue was defined as a latent variable by severity and impact on daily life. Potential mediators included vision-related symptoms, adaptation to vision loss and depression. Hypothesized structural equation models were constructed in Mplus to test (in)direct effects of visual impairment severity (mild/moderate, severe, blindness) on fatigue through above mentioned variables.ResultsThe final model explained 60% of fatigue variance and revealed a significant total effect of visual impairment severity on fatigue. Patients with severe visual impairment (reference group) had significantly higher fatigue symptoms compared to those with mild/moderate visual impairment (β = -0.50, 95% bias-corrected confidence interval [BC CI] [-0.86, -0.16]) and those with blindness (β = -0.44, 95% BC CI [-0.80, -0.07]). Eye strain & light disturbance, depression and vision-related mobility mediated the fatigue difference between the severe and mild/moderate visual impairment categories. The fatigue difference between the severe visual impairment and blindness categories was solely explained by eye strain & light disturbance. Moreover, depressive symptoms (β = 0.65, p < 0.001) and eye strain & light disturbance (β = 0.19, p = 0.023) were directly associated with fatigue independent of visual impairment severity.ConclusionsOur findings indicate an inverted-U shaped relationship between visual impairment severity and fatigue in patients with low vision. The complexity of this relationship is likely explained by the consequences of visual impairment, in particular by strained eyes and depressive mood, rather than by severity of the disability itself.

Epidemiology of Low Vision in East India: Prevalence, Causes, and Impact on Quality of Life

Aim To estimate the prevalence, causes, and impact of low vision among older adults in East India.  Methodology Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), wave-1 (2017–18). Low vision was defined as visual acuity worse than 20/63 in the better eye. The study sample consisted of 10,163 older adults aged 45 years and above from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.  Results The prevalence of low vision was 36.4%, with higher rates among females (40.5%) than males (31.8%). The main causes of low vision were cataracts (54.6%), refractive error (23.4%), and other eye diseases (22%).  Conclusion Low vision was significantly associated with lower educational attainment, lower wealth status, rural residence, eastern region, hypertension, stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, disability, and lower quality of life. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to prevent and treat low vision and its associated comorbidities among older adults in East India.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms in caregivers of children with congenital ectopia lentis: a prospective cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the frequency and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms and explore possible risk factors among caregivers of children with congenital ectopia lentis (CEL).DesignA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted.Participants108...

Clinical outcomes of radial optic neurotomy versus pars plana vitrectomy in recent onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

This study investigated the effect of pars plana vitrectomy (VIT) versus pars plana vitrectomy combined with radial optic neurotomy (RON) on recent onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). In this prospective interventional case series, individuals with recent-onset NAION, lower than one month and low vision (lower than 20/200) were recruited. Patients randomly underwent either VIT, or RON. 34 eyes of 34 patients were included in this study. 10, 9, and 15 eyes were randomly included in VIT, RON, and control groups, respectively. The BCVA of the VIT group improved significantly from 1.84 ± 0.5 logMAR at baseline to 1.29 ± 0.67, 0.93 ± 0.53, and 0.77 ± 0.47 logMAR at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively (Ps < 0.05). The corresponding values for RON group were 1.73 ± 0.53 logMAR at baseline, which improved to 1.04 ± 0.65, 0.64 ± 0.28, and 0.61 ± 0.26 logMAR at the same follow-up visit times (P < 0.05).The corresponding values for the control group were 1.6 ± 0.58 log MAR at baseline, which improved to 1.03 ± 0.29, 1.00 ± 0.32, and 0.32 ± 0.83 log MAR at the same follow-up visit times. There was no significant statistical difference in BCVA between the three groups. However, both interventions resulted in statistically significant improvement in mean deviation (MD) of visual field (VF) compared with the control group at the end of 6 months (VIT P = 0.006, RON P = 0.043). RNFLT decreased from baseline 235.3 ± 44.01 to 75.6 ± 17.68 at 1 month in the VIT group (P < 0.001), from baseline 268.22 ± 65.9 to 76.67 ± 10.59 at 1 month in RON (P < 0.001), while it decreased from baseline 179.48 ± 39.02 to 112.92 ± 44.51 at 1 month in the control group. VIT and RON showed promising results in terms of MD of VF, and optic disc edema resolved faster in these groups compared to the control group in recent onset NAION. A larger sample size study is deemed necessary to generalize the results of this study.

Theory Is Essential in Promoting the Distinct Value of Occupational Therapy in Rehabilitation of Adults With Low Vision: A Systematic Review.

Evidence for occupational therapy interventions should be grounded in theory to support practitioners' role in the rehabilitation of adults with low vision. To analyze the content of publications on interventions for adults with low vision to determine theories proposed or used to guide interventions and to categorize their level of evidence. CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase. A quantitative summative content analysis of articles published from 1984 through 2021. Fourteen articles provided a theoretical rationale for occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision. Nine provided evidence for interventions supported by theory, and 3 suggested theories to support interventions. Eleven were found in peer-reviewed publications; 10 were in occupational therapy publications. Of the 14, 50% were categorized at the lowest level of evidence. Few high-level studies on occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision exist that provide a rationale for treatment based on theory. Application of theories provides clinical reasoning that distinguishes occupational therapy interventions from those of other professions serving adults with low vision. If interventions are not grounded in theory, the occupational therapy profession risks losing its distinction from other similar professions in low vision rehabilitation. Plain-Language Summary: This is the first content analysis of theories recommended and used to guide occupational therapy interventions for adults with low vision. This systematic review highlights occupational therapy's distinct value over other professions but also points to a dangerous gap in the literature that threatens practitioners' role in the rehabilitation of adults with low vision.

Software Optimization and Design Methodology for Low Power Computer Vision Systems

This tutorial paper addresses a low power computer vision system as an example of a growing application domain of neural networks, exploring various technologies developed to enhance accuracy within the resource and performance constraints imposed by the hardware platform. Focused on a given hardware platform and network model, software optimization techniques, including pruning, quantization, low-rank approximation, and parallelization, aim to satisfy resource and performance constraints while minimizing accuracy loss. Due to the interdependence of model compression approaches, their systematic application is crucial, as evidenced by winning solutions in the Lower Power Image Recognition Challenge (LPIRC) of 2017 and 2018. Recognizing the typical heterogeneity of processing elements in contemporary hardware platforms, the effective utilization through parallelizing neural networks emerges as increasingly vital for performance enhancement. The paper advocates for a more impactful strategy—designing a network architecture tailored to a specific hardware platform. For detailed information on each technique, the paper provides corresponding references.

AI-based methods for detecting and classifying age-related macular degeneration: a comprehensive review

This paper explores the advancements and achievements of artificial intelligence (AI) in computer vision (CV), particularly in the context of diagnosing and grading age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most common leading causes of blindness and low vision that impact millions of patients globally. Integrating AI in biomedical engineering and healthcare has significantly enhanced the understanding and development of the CV application to mimic human problem-solving abilities. By leveraging AI-based models, ophthalmologists can improve the accuracy and speed of disease diagnosis, enabling early treatment and mitigating the severity of the conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of many studies on AMD published between 2014 and 2024, with more than 80% published after 2020. Various methodologies and techniques are examined, particularly emphasizing utilizing different retinal imaging modalities like color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), where 66% of the studies used OCT datasets. This review aims to compare the efficacy of these AI-based approaches, including machine learning and deep learning, in detecting and diagnosing different stages and grades of AMD based on the evaluation of different performance metrics using different private and public datasets. In addition, this paper introduces some suggested AI solutions for future work.

Getting to the Fun Home : A Blind Autoethnography of Graphic Narrative and a Call for Co-Reading

The article shares a personal history of a blind reader encountering graphic novels at different times in life. Following a brief review of the low-vision accessible comics and adaptation strategies currently available, it offers a critique of the emphasis placed on high-tech adaptation strategies for idealizing “independent” reading practices. In response to the potentially ableist pitfalls of high-tech adaptation, the article offers “co-reading” as an anti-ableist reading practice which enables access to comics for blind and visually impaired readers while encouraging sighted readers to interrogate ableist assumptions about dis/ability. With reflections on Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home , the author considers why blind readers might be interested in reading a conventionally visual medium; why the privileging of independent reading works to limit accessibility of comics to blind and low vision readers; and last but not least, how the practice of collaborative comics reading—co-reading—offers opportunities to engage in anti-ableist praxis of reading comics.

System for Visually Disabled through Wearables Utilizing Arduino and Ultrasound

Vision loss is a major challenge that affects people's lives in many aspects. In order to help people with visual impairment navigate and interact with those around them, wearable electronic devices and innovative technology can be used. The visually impaired system using Arduino and ultrasound uses advanced technology to convert ultrasound waves into useful information for visual people. Wearable devices, such as glasses or mobile devices can be used to receive audio signals and convert them into notifications to the user, via vibration, sounds or even text messages, which are equipped with ultrasonic sensors. When wearable devices emit high-frequency audio signals, these signals bounce off various obstacles in the environment around the person. The feedback signals are received and converted into visual information or alert messages for the user. People with visual impairment face great challenges because they depend heavily on others for their mobility. In this paper, a model was created to support blind people, facilitate their mobility, and ensure their safety through timely alerts of any obstacles in their path. The project includes a portable device that uses Arduino and is equipped with several sensors, such as distance and temperature sensors, to detect objects whose temperature exceeds 0 degrees Celsius. This device is designed to be hand-held with the glove and belt attached at the waist. Integrating all the mentioned sensors along with the Arduino that supervises the process.

Design of Assistive Device For Blind People Based on Arduino Nano With Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracker

Design of Assistive Device For Blind People Based on Arduino Nano With Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracker

Services Provided by the Brooks Rehabilitation Center for Low Vision: A Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 This retrospective chart review served to describe the client outreach and functional outcomes of a low vision rehabilitation program at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida. Primary Author and Speaker: Sarah E. Blaylock Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah LaRosa Contributing Authors: Katelyn W. Jordan, Megan Bewernitz

What do the blind feel? Psychological distress and satisfaction with life of blind persons: A community-based study

Background: Progressive loss of visual acuteness is known to be associated with anxiety, insecurity, loss of independence, and altered social functioning, which may lead to low mood and subsequently depression. Emotionally adjusting to vision loss can dramatically change one’s independence. Reduced workplace productivity in adults with visual impairment is associated with lower rates of workforce participation and increased rates of anxiety and depression. Most studies for psychological comorbidities in the legally blind population are conducted in individuals who present to the psychiatry or psychology department/clinics or to facilities for blindness certification. Due to the paucity of community-based data in the Indian scenario, the current study was undertaken. Aim: To evaluate the psychological distress and satisfaction with life of people who were diagnosed as blind in the community. Materials and Methods: The sample was based on the identification of blind persons in a door-to-door screening for eye and vision problems in 44535 individuals conducted in 2015–16 in the middle to lower socioeconomic populations in the suburban area of Yerawada, Maharashtra. Those who were suspected of having low vision underwent a detailed clinical examination including visual acuity estimation, portable slit lamp examination, I-Kare tonometry, and fundoscopy, conducted by an ophthalmologist to assess and verify the lack of vision. Subsequently, the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were also applied upon revisiting the participants in 2020–2021. Results: The majority of participants were middle-aged or elderly and no significant gender variation was noted in terms of blindness. Maximum psychological disability was seen after 6 to 15 years after the onset of blindness. More than 80% of the patients with complete blindness had some psychiatric comorbidity or distress and more than half reported that their daily activities were affected due to their diagnosis. Blind persons had significantly higher scores on the GHQ-12 and significantly lower scores on SWLS. Complete blindness was positively correlated with GHQ-12 scores and negatively correlated with SWLS scores and the age of the subject. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that psychological distress and low levels of satisfaction with life are common among the severely visually impaired and blind. There is a dire need to improve access to rehabilitation services and psychological support for the blind and their caregivers.

Effectiveness of Mp-3 Microperimetric Biofeedback Fixation Training for Low Vision Rehabilitation in Patients Treated with Corticosteroid IVT in Retinal Vein Occlusions [Letter]

Effectiveness of Mp-3 Microperimetric Biofeedback Fixation Training for Low Vision Rehabilitation in Patients Treated with Corticosteroid IVT in Retinal Vein Occlusions [Letter]

Most State Medicaid Programs Cover Routine Eye Exams For Adults, But Coverage Of Other Routine Vision Services Varies.

More than twelve million US adults ages forty and older are affected by vision impairment, and projections suggest that this number will double by 2050. Although most vision impairment can be eliminated with corrective lenses, many adults lack access to routine eye care. In this study, we analyzed detailed state-by-state Medicaid policies for 2022 and documented variability in coverage for adult vision services. Most fee-for-service Medicaid programs covered routine eye exams, although many did not cover glasses (twenty states) or low vision aids (thirty-five states), and about two-thirds of states with routine coverage required enrollee cost sharing. Managed care plans generally provided consistent or enhanced coverage relative to fee-for-service programs, although coverage sometimes varied between plans within a state. We estimated that about 6.5million and 14.6million adult enrollees resided in states without comprehensive coverage for routine eye exams and glasses, respectively. These findings reveal important gaps and opportunities for states to increase access to routine vision care.

Clinical features of a novel compound heterozygous genotype of the BBS2 gene: a case report.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder with heterogenous clinical manifestations. The present study reports the clinical features of a novel compound heterozygous genotype of the BBS2 gene in a 14-year-old girl and her 6-year-old sister who had complaints of early-onset low vision. Fundus images revealed retinitis pigmentosa-like changes, and full-field electroretinograms showed no amplitude for the rod or cone response in both patients. Interestingly, nystagmus was observed in the older sister. On physical examination, the sisters had moderate obesity without polydactyly, hypogonadism, or intellectual disability. Exome sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygous genotype of BBS2 in the sisters, namely the paternally inherited NM_031885.5:c.534 + 1G > T variant and the maternally inherited NM_031885.5:c.700C > T (p.Arg234Ter) variant. Both variants were classified as pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. This study provides useful information on the genotype-phenotype relationships of the BBS2 gene for genetic counseling and diagnosis.

Analysis of Difficulties of Blind Students (Low Vision) in Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Problem Solving

This study aims to describe the difficulties of blind students (low vision) in developing critical thinking skills through problem solving. This type of research is qualitative descriptive research. The subject of the study was one blind student with low vision. The place of research was in the PGSD study program, FKIP, PGRI Ronggolawe University Tuban. The research instrument was an observation sheet and interview to find out the initial problems about critical thinking skills, a test sheet instrument in the form of an essay of 6 questions which will later be used as a reference in describing the difficulties of low vision students in developing critical thinking skills. The assessment indicators refer to Facione. Explanation, inference and interpretation indicators are in the good category, analysis indicators get a low category, self-regulation and evaluation indicators are in the sufficient/moderate category. Based on the results of the analysis of the difficulties faced by students in developing critical thinking skills are 1) students have difficulty in determining alternatives to the problems given, 2) students have difficulty in choosing and solving problems related to inclusive education given by lecturers, 3) students are not used to solving problems related to critical thinking, this is because the form of exam questions applied to students is still memorization and memory, 4) students are less creative in choosing or finding the right strategy according to the problems given.

PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA ARISAN ANTIK PADA PEMBELAJARAN BILANGAN BULAT DI KELAS INKLUSI SD SWASTA AL-AZHAR BUKITTINGGI

Making this innovative work aims to increase motivation and student learning outcomes in learning negative and positive integers by using Antique Arisan media (Manual and Electric Number Lines). This innovative work is the development of a number line media made using a board with an attractive appearance using green led lights on positive integers, red led lights on negative integers, each number is embossed for students with special needs, namely the blind and low vision. How to operate this media in two ways. (1) Use of this media by pressing the switch for each number to be addressed to complete simple number operations such as addition and subtraction of negative and positive integers. (2) Using a rail equipped with a toy that moves forward to show the addition of numbers, moves backwards for integer subtraction operations, this rail is installed under the number line which functions as a substitute for carrying out negative and positive integer operations using the number line, if the use of lights cannot be used because there is no power source. This use helps regular students and especially students with special needs in adding and subtracting negative and positive integers, so that students with special needs are served according to their needs and can solve problems encountered related to adding and subtracting integers, so that learning outcomes can increase.

Increasing Social Entrepreneurship in Digital Media for Individuals With Lupus and Low Vision

Increasing Social Entrepreneurship in Digital Media for Individuals With Lupus and Low Vision