ABSTRACT
To assess the effectiveness of low vision rehabilitation in the management of age related macular degeneration. The study was carried out at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Rawalpindi. All consecutive newly diagnosed patients of both sexes, 55 years of age and above, with observable lesions of age-related macular degeneration [AMD], presenting to the retina clinic, over a period of one year were included in the study. Patients having best corrected visual acuity less than 6/18 in the better eye were referred to the low vision clinic. During the duration of study 79 patients presenting to the retina clinic met the inclusion criteria. Lesions gradable as early AMD were found in 54 eyes and those graded as late AMD were found in 69 eyes. Twenty four [30%] patients received intra vitreal therapy with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor [Bevacizumab] +/- Triamcinolone acetonide and/or Argon laser treatment. Thirty seven [47%] patients were referred to the low vision clinic, while 18 [23%] patients were taught self-monitoring of symptoms and kept under observation. Appropriate low vision aids were used in 37 patients. Extremely statistically significant improvement in near vision was seen from mean 14M to 4M [p <0.0001] in 36 patients. Low vision aids improve residual visual function in patients of AMD, more so for near. The patients are able to continue most of the usual activity of their daily life
ABSTRACT
To highlight the usefulness of low vision aids in the management of Retinitis Pigmentosa [RP]. Case report. A 16 years old girl presenting with RP. The patient presented with severe visual impairment as a result of Retinitis Pigmentosa. She underwent detailed low vision assessment including visual acuity, visual fields, contrast sensitivity, her desired activities of daily life and main restraints. The patient has been followed up for more than a year. The use of proper low vision devices and appropriate counseling has changed her life. From a presenting visual acuity of 6/180 and 6/84, she has now a functional vision equivalent to 6/12p and N/6 near vision. Proper low vision management tagged with customized counseling can transform a patient's life from that of helplessness to independence