Visual outcomes of audio-luminous biofeedback training for a child with idiopathic nystagmus / Desfechos visuais de treinamento de biofeedback audioluminoso em criança com nistagmo idiopático

ABSTRACT Microperimetry biofeedback training is a vision rehabilitation method that involves the training of attention and oculomotor control, and the rehabilitation of poorly located and non-functional preferred retinal loci. It can significantly improve distance and near visual acuity in age-related macular degeneration. Previous studies have shown that biofeedback training using electrical nystagmography can reduce nystagmus amplitude and increase foveation time. However, these improvements have not been sustained following training sessions. We hereby report a pediatric case of idiopathic nystagmus in an 11-year old patient treated with microperimetric biofeedback to improve visual acuity and fixation stability. The training had a beneficial impact, positively affecting fixation stability as well as distance and near reading vision. Subjectively, improvement in quality of life was also reported. Conversely to previous studies, the positive effects in this case were maintained for as long as twelve months following therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with long-term benefits to be reported in the literature.(AU)

RESUMO O treinamento de biofeedback por microperimetria é um método de reabilitação da visão que envolve treinamento de atenção, controle oculomotor e reabilitação do locus preferencial de fixação da retina. Esse treinamento pode melhorar significativamente a acuidade visual para longe e perto na degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Estudos anteriores mostraram que o treinamento de biofeedback usando a nistagmografia elétrica pode reduzir a amplitude do nistagmo e aumentar o período de foveação. Entretanto, os resultados não se mantiveram após o término das sessões. Aqui é relatado um caso de tratamento com biofeedback por microperimetria para melhorar a acuidade visual e a estabilidade de fixação em uma criança de 11 anos de idade. O treinamento teve impacto benéfico e afetou positivamente a estabilidade da fixação e a visão para longe, para perto e de leitura. Subjetivamente, foi relatada melhoria da qualidade de vida. Em contraste com estudos anteriores, os efeitos positivos foram mantidos até 12 meses após a terapia. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso na literatura que relata benefícios de longo prazo.(AU)

Evaluación oftalmológica en niños derivados a un proyecto de rehabilitación en baja visión de un organismo de apoyo social / Ophthalmological evaluation in children referred to a low-vision rehabilitation project of a social assistance agency

INTRODUCCIÓN: Un niño con baja visión (BV) rehabilitado puede tener una educación integral. Objetivo: Estudiar el perfil de los escolares derivados para evaluación a un Proyecto de Rehabilitación en un organismo de apoyo social. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal descriptivo de beneficiarios evaluados entre septiembre 2015 y septiembre 2016 en JUNAEB. Se consideró diagnóstico de derivación, agudeza visual monocular (AV) con corrección óptica para lejos (cartillas Feinbloom) y cerca (cartillas Zeiss). Se clasificaron según AV y perimetría. Se consideró éxito de tratamiento lograr AV > 0,4 para le jos y/o cerca con ayuda óptica. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 278 escolares. 153 (55%) fueron hombres, 121(43,5%) entre 10 a 14 años. Catarata congénita bilateral, distrofias retinales, alta miopía, atrofia óptica y nistagmus congénito fueron las patologías más frecuentes. 224 (80,6%) se habilitaron con ayudas. 85 (37,9%) presentaron BV moderada y 63 (28,6%) BV severa. 122 (54,5%) presentaban perimetría normal, 68 (30,4%) campo visual (CV) tubular, 19 (8,5%) defecto sectorial del CV y 15 (6,7%) compromiso central del CV. 198 (88,4%) escolares lograron éxito visual de lejos y todos lograron éxito visual de cerca. 48 (17,2%) escolares no pudieron ser rehabilitados, estando asocia dos a una afección neuroftalmológica (41,7%), alto error refractivo (16,6%) o glaucoma congénito (10,4%). 6 (2,2%) casos mejoraron su AV con nueva corrección óptica. CONCLUSIÓN: El éxito obtenido demuestra la necesidad de habilitar visualmente a escolares con BV. Nuestro desafío es mantener este programa y educar al oftalmólogo prestador para una derivación oportuna.

INTRODUCTION: A low-vision (LV) rehabilitated child can receive comprehensive education. OBJECTIVE: To study the profile of school children referred for evaluation to a rehabilitation project in a social assistance agency. PATIENTS AND METHODS and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study of beneficiaries evaluated between September 2015 and September 2016 in the National Board of School Assistan ce and Scholarships (JUNAEB). The referral diagnosis, monocular visual acuity (VA) with optical correction at far (Feinbloom chart) and close (Zeiss chart) distances were considered. They were classified according to VA and perimetry. Treatment success was considered if VA reaches > 0.4 at far and/or close distances with optical devices. RESULTS: 278 students were assessed. 153 (55%) were men, 121 (43.5%) between the ages of 10 to 14. Bilateral congenital cataract, retinal dystrophies, high myopia, optic atrophy, and congenital nystagmus were the most frequent pathologies. 224 students (80.6%) received optical devices. 85 (37.9%) presented moderate LV and 63 (28.6%) severe LV; 122 (54.5%) presented normal perimetry, 68 (30.4%) tubular Visual Field (VF), 19 (8.5%) sectoral VF defects, and 15 (6.7%) central scotoma. 198 (88.4%) students achieved visual success at a far distance and all achieved visual success at a near distance. 48 (17.2%) students could not be rehabilitated due to a neuro-ophthalmological condition (41.7%), high refractive error (16.6%) or congenital glauco ma (10.4%).Six (2.2%) cases improved VA with a new optical correction. CONCLUSION: This success demonstrates the need to provide low vision aids to schoolchildren with LV. Our challenge is to maintain this program and to educate ophthalmologist for timely referral.

The Parameters of Pattern Visual Evoked Potential in the Severe Visual Loss Patients in Korean

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics of the pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) in patients with severe visual loss and normal controls, and to demonstrate the range of PVEP parameters in normal Koreans. METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups according to visual acuity: group 1, ranging from no light perception to less than 0.02; group 2, ranging from 0.02 to 0.1; and group 3, ranging from 0.125 to 0.25. Group 4 was established as a healthy control group. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the PVEP parameters were calculated for group 4. The PVEP parameters were compared among these four groups, and the amplitudes were evaluated with respect to the 95% CIs. We used the area under the curve to integrate the sensitivity and the specificity of the PVEP parameter quantitative values (7.01 to 9.57 microV and 6.75 to 10.11 microV). RESULTS: A total of 101 eyes were investigated. The 95% CIs of the P100 and N135 amplitudes of group 4 were 7.01 to 9.57 microV and 6.75 to 10.11 microV, respectively. The amplitudes of P100 and N135 were significantly higher in group 4 (p < 0.001). The P100 and N135 amplitude were below the 95% CI in all group 1 patients. The area under the curve of the P100 amplitude was the highest (0.789). CONCLUSIONS: No legally blind patient in the present study exhibited a value within the 95% CI of the controls. The P100 amplitude may be the best parameter for defining blindness in patients.

The Parameters of Pattern Visual Evoked Potential in the Severe Visual Loss Patients in Korean

PURPOSE: To compare the characteristics of the pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) in patients with severe visual loss and normal controls, and to demonstrate the range of PVEP parameters in normal Koreans. METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups according to visual acuity: group 1, ranging from no light perception to less than 0.02; group 2, ranging from 0.02 to 0.1; and group 3, ranging from 0.125 to 0.25. Group 4 was established as a healthy control group. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the PVEP parameters were calculated for group 4. The PVEP parameters were compared among these four groups, and the amplitudes were evaluated with respect to the 95% CIs. We used the area under the curve to integrate the sensitivity and the specificity of the PVEP parameter quantitative values (7.01 to 9.57 microV and 6.75 to 10.11 microV). RESULTS: A total of 101 eyes were investigated. The 95% CIs of the P100 and N135 amplitudes of group 4 were 7.01 to 9.57 microV and 6.75 to 10.11 microV, respectively. The amplitudes of P100 and N135 were significantly higher in group 4 (p < 0.001). The P100 and N135 amplitude were below the 95% CI in all group 1 patients. The area under the curve of the P100 amplitude was the highest (0.789). CONCLUSIONS: No legally blind patient in the present study exhibited a value within the 95% CI of the controls. The P100 amplitude may be the best parameter for defining blindness in patients.

Static and dynamic postural control in low-vision and normal-vision adults

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of reduced visual information on postural control by comparing low-vision and normal-vision adults in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS: Twenty-five low-vision subjects and twenty-five normal sighted adults were evaluated for static and dynamic balance using four protocols: 1) the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance on firm and foam surfaces with eyes opened and closed; 2) Unilateral Stance with eyes opened and closed; 3) Tandem Walk; and 4) Step Up/Over. RESULTS: The results showed that the low-vision group presented greater body sway compared with the normal vision during balance on a foam surface (p≤0.001), the Unilateral Stance test for both limbs (p≤0.001), and the Tandem Walk test. The low-vision group showed greater step width (p≤0.001) and slower gait speed (p≤0.004). In the Step Up/Over task, low-vision participants were more cautious in stepping up (right p≤0.005 and left p≤0.009) and in executing the movement (p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that visual feedback is crucial for determining balance, especially for dynamic tasks and on foam surfaces. Low-vision individuals had worse postural stability than normal-vision adults in terms of dynamic tests and balance on foam surfaces. .

Avaliação da visão funcional para crianças com baixa visão de dois a seis anos de idade - estudo comparativo / Functional vision assessment in children with low vision from two to six years of age - a comparative study

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar a capacidade da AVIF-2 a 6 anos para discriminar os diferentes níveis de resposta visual de crianças com baixa visão. A AVIF-2 a 6 anos foi criada no Setor de Baixa Visão Infantil do Hospital São Geraldo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Após a discussão da adequação dos itens do teste, com especialistas de diversas áreas, a AVIF-2 a 6 anos foi aplicada em 40 crianças de dois a seis anos de idade, 20 das quais com baixa visão (Grupo 1) e 20, sem baixa visão (Grupo 2). O grupo 1 foi recrutado do Setor de Baixa Visão Infantil do Hospital São Geraldo. As crianças do grupo 2 foram selecionadas em duas creches públicas. Sete domínios foram estudados: fixação visual, seguimento visual, campo visual de confrontação, coordenação olho-mão, visão de contraste, deslocamento no ambiente e visão de cores. As crianças do grupo 1 foram submetidas a exame oftalmológico completo e as do grupo 2 a triagem oftalmológica. Crianças com baixa visão e alterações neurológicas foram excluidas. Os dois grupos foram emparelhados por idade, sexo e nível socioeconômico, e os dados comparados entre as crianças do grupo geral e dos subgrupos de idade (24 a 35 meses, 36 a 59 meses e 60 a 78 meses) e de acuidade visual (< que 1,0 logMAR e >1,0 logMAR). RESULTADOS: No total da AVIF-2 a 6 anos e dos domínios fixação visual, seguimento visual, campo visual de confrontação, coordenação olho-mão e deslocamento no ambiente foram constatadas diferenças com significância estatística (p<0,05) entre os dois grupos. As medianas da pontuação da AVIF-2 a 6 anos foram inferiores para as crianças com baixa visão nas três faixas etárias. CONCLUSÃO: A AVIF-2 a 6 anos demonstrou ter potencial para discriminar diferentes níveis de visão funcional, entretanto, serão necessários ainda novos estudos para que o teste possa ser disponibilizado para uso clínico. (ETIC 684/07).

PURPOSE: The Functional Vision Assessment (AVIF-2 to 6 years)'s capacity to differentiate visual ability levels in children with low vision was analyzed. The AVIF-2 to 6 years was created at the Infantile Low Vision Sector from São Geraldo Hospital, Brazil. METHODS: After a debate among professionals from different areas regarding the appropriateness of the test items, AVIF-2 to 6 years was applied to 40 children aged from 2 to 6 years; twenty children with low vision (Group 1) and twenty without it (Group 2) were assessed. Group 1 was recruited from the Infantile Low Vision Sector from São Geraldo Hospital. Group 2 comprised children from two different public day care centers and children were matched by age, gender and social level with group 1. Seven domains were studied: visual fixation, visual following, visual field confrontation, eye-hand coordination and surrounding locomotion, contrast vision and color vision discrimination. Group 1 children were submitted to a complete ophthalmologic exam and group 2 to ophthalmologic screening. Children with low vision and neurologic disease were excluded. Comparative analyzes were performed for both groups and for distinct subgroups classified by age (24 to 35 months, 36 to 59 months and 60 to 78 months) and by visual acuity subgroups (<1.0 logMAR and >1.0 logMAR). RESULTS: The scores at total AVIF-2 to 6 years and its domains were statistically significant (p<0.05), except for the contrast vision and color vision discrimination domains. The total AVIF- 2 to 6 years median was lower for group 1 at the three interval ages. CONCLUSION: AVIF- 2 to 6 years can discriminate different levels of functional vision of low vision children, however the authors emphasize that although the results are encouraging, further studies shall be done until the test is ready for clinical use.

A Study of Eccentric Viewing Training for Low Vision Rehabilitation

PURPOSE: The definition of eccentric viewing (EV) is using non-foveal preferred retinal loci (PRL) for viewing. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical effect of EV training for low vision rehabilitation in patients with central scotomas. METHODS: The direction of EV was monitored in 30 low vision patients with central scotomas by moving the patient's view. The PRL was found by using a direct ophthalmoscope and retinal camera; the preserved visual field was identified using a kinetic visual field analyzer. The relationships between EV, PRL, and visual field were evaluated. The patients and their guardians were educated regarding EV. After 2 weeks of self-training, maintenance of EV was checked and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading speed, and satisfaction questionnaire were evaluated. RESULTS: A relationship between EV, PRL, and visual field was in accordance in half of the patients. There were no significant differences in demographics and basic visual characteristics in patients where the relationship was not in accordance. EV was maintained in two-thirds of the patients, but there were no significant differences in demographics and basic visual characteristics in patients who discontinued EV. There were no significant improvements in BCVA; however, reading speed and the satisfaction scores increased significantly with EV. CONCLUSIONS: The direction of EV was effectively detected by convenient access using an inexpensive method. Functional vision and satisfaction significantly improved following EV training. EV training can be used as an effective method for low vision rehabilitation in patients with central scotomas.

Low vision AIDS provision for visually impaired Egyptian patients - a clinical outcome

Purpose: To evaluate a low vision rehabilitation service implemented for heterogeneously diverse group of Egyptian patients with vision loss in terms of improving their visual performance and fulfilling their visual needs. Methods: Fifty patients with low vision were included in a prospective study. History taking; ophthalmic examination and evaluation of the visual functions were performed for all patients. The required magnification was calculated; and subsequently a low vision aid was chosen after counseling with patients. Low vision aids were tried in office; followedby a period of training before patients received their own low vision aids. Follow up was done for 6 months. Results: All patients who were referred to the low vision unit were not satisfied with their current spectacles or low vision aids. After training and prescription of suitable LVAs; the improvement in distance and near visual acuity wasstatistically significant (p0.001). Fifty-six per cent of the patients (nof the patients (n=27) could discern N8 print size or better. The most commonly used aids were high powered near adds. Despite the complaints about the appearance and use of LVAs; 76of the patients reported being moderately to highly-satisfied with their aids. Conclusions: The significant improvement in the visual performance of patients with low vision after the prescriptionand training on the use of LVAs; associated with patients' satisfaction; confirms the importance of expanding low vision rehabilitative services and increasing the public awareness of its existence and benefits

Avaliação de pacientes utilizando equipamento inovador de auxílio à visão subnormal / Evaluation of patients using an innovative low-vision aid

OBJETIVO: Avaliação preliminar na Clínica Oftalmológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) de equipamento inovador para baixa visão desenvolvido na USP que consiste em prancha de leitura acoplada a lente de aumento que mantém fixos o foco e a linha de leitura. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 9 pacientes com visão subnormal usando o supracitado equipamento prancha de leitura acoplada a lente para auxílio em visão subnormal desenvolvida na USP em comparação com uso de uma lupa teste manual de dioptria semelhante, considerando-se os seguintes parâmetros de avaliação: causa da doença, acuidade visual corrigida no melhor olho para longe, impressão pessoal do paciente comparando prancha de leitura e lupa teste, impressão dos autores observando o uso dos 2 auxílios acima citados. RESULTADOS: A preferência pelos recursos foi: prancha de leitura acoplada a lupa - 5 pacientes; lupa manual - 2 pacientes; sem preferência por nenhum dos recursos - 1 paciente; inadequados para avaliação dos recursos preferidos - 1 paciente. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo preliminar, a maioria dos pacientes avaliados preferiu o recurso prancha de leitura acoplada à lupa, o que mostra que este produto inovador facilita a leitura; o médico avaliador interpreta a opinião do paciente como um especialista e contribui para o aprimoramento do produto para que ele possa ser futuramente submetido a novas avaliações.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To perform a preliminary evaluation at the "Clínica Oftalmológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP)" of an innovative equipment for low-vision developed at USP containing a reading stand and a magnifier that maintains in a stable position the reading line and focus. METHODS: 9 low-vision patients were evaluated using the above mentioned reading stand and a magnifier developed at USP comparing it with a hand magnifier of similar power taking into account the following evaluation parameters: etiology of low-vision, best corrected visual acuity for distance, patient's opinion comparing both low-vision aid resources, authors' opinion observing the patient using both low-vision aids. RESULTS: The numerical preference for the low-vision aids was: 5 patients for the reading stand and a magnifier that maintains at a stable position the reading line and focus; 2 patients for the hand magnifier; 1 patient indifferent regarding any of the resources; 1 patient inadequate for the evaluation of the low-vision aids. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows the preference of the majority of the patients for the reading stand and a magnifier that maintains at a stable position the reading line and focus showing that this innovative product makes reading easier; the evaluator doctor translates the patient's opinion as an expert and contributes to the improvement of the product so that it can be evaluated again in the future.

Avaliação da função visual em pacientes com distrofia de cones / Visual function assessment in patients with cone dystrophy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função visual pela eletrorretinografia de campo total e pela acuidade visual em pacientes com distrofia de cones. MÉTODOS: Um grupo de 23 pacientes (16 do sexo feminino e 7 do sexo masculino) com distrofia de cones foi avaliado no Laboratório de Eletrofisiologia Visual Clínica do Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. A avaliação constou de: sinais e sintomas, acuidade visual medida pela tabela ETDRS ou de Snellen e função retiniana pela eletrorretinografia de campo total. As amplitudes pico-a-pico (µV) e o tempo de culminação da onda-b (ms) foram comparadas com normas descritas na literatura. RESULTADOS: A acuidade visual no melhor olho variou de 0,07 a 3,00 logMAR (20/25-MM a 10 cm), com média de 0,85±0,64 logMAR (20/140). A média da amplitude pico-a-pico das respostas escotópicas de bastonetes foi de 144,29±80,05 µV com média do tempo de culminação da onda-b de 92,85±9,02 ms (normal para a idade). A média da amplitude pico-a-pico para respostas fotópicas de cones foi de 5,06±8,59 µV (reduzida para a idade) com média do tempo de culminação da onda-b de 43,4±14,5 ms (atrasado para a idade) nos pacientes com resposta detectável e para as respostas do flicker, a amplitude foi de 5,00±9,00 µV (reduzida para a idade) com média do tempo de culminação da onda-b de 32,90±12,87 ms (atrasado para a idade). CONCLUSÃO: A acuidade visual média encontrada neste grupo de pacientes com distrofia de cones foi de 0,85 logMAR (20/140). A fotofobia foi o sintoma mais freqüente juntamente com a baixa de visão e deficiência de visão de cores. Em 10/23 pacientes o diagnóstico foi feito pela eletrorretinografia, devido à ausência de alterações fundoscópicas.

Frecuencia de las desviaciones verticales asociadas a los estrabismos secundarios / Frecuency of the vertical deviations associated to sensory strabismus

Se determinó la frecuencia de las alteraciones verticales en los estrabismos secundarios y la relación con el tipo de desviación horizontal.Se incluyeron 89 pacientes con diagnóstico de estrabismo secundario, dividiéndose en dos grupos de acuerdo a la dirección de la desviación horizontal, comparando las alteraciones verticales encontradas en ambos grupos. La información se analizó mediante porcentajes y la prueba exacta de Fisher.De los 89 pacientes, 49 eran del sexo femenino y 40 del masculino con un promedio de edad de 18.25 años. En el 79 por ciento se encontró exotropia y en el 21 por ciento endotropia. En el grupo de exotropias se observó algún tipo de alteración vertical en el 81 por ciento de los casos y de ésta la más frecuente fue la hiperfunción de los cuatro músculos oblicuos en el 36 por ciento. En el 68 por ciento de las endotropias se observó alteración vertical, siendo la más frecuente la hiperfunción bilateral de los oblicuos inferiores en el 11 por ciento. No se encontró diferencia en la frecuencia de alteraciones verticales entre endotropias y exotropias (p = 0.2). La hiperfunción de los cuatro oblicuos es característica de las exotropias (p = 0.01). La alteración vertical monocular se encontró exclusivamente en el ojo desviado, independientemente del tipo de la desviación horizontal asociada (p = 0.03).En esta serie la exotropia fue el estrabismo secundario más frecuente, asociado a la hiperfunción de los cuatro músculos oblicuos y la alteración vertical que con mayor frecuencia se encontró en las endotropias fue la hiperfunción bilateral de los oblicuos inferiores.

Hipoplasia do nervo óptico / Optic nerve hypoplasia

A hipoplasia do nervo óptico é uma patologia näo progressiva, caracterizada geralmente pela visäo subnormal e também pelo número de axônios do nervo óptico diminuído, associado com uma grande quantidade de alteraçöes visuais do sistema nervoso central e anormalidades endócrinas

Respostas aos testes de estereopsia em portadores de visäo subnormal / Responses to stereoscopic tests in low vision patients

Os autores selecionaram 27 pacientes portadores de visäo subnormal, em uma faixa etária de 04 a 55 anos (média 16 anos, DP 13,75 anos), com acuidade visual (AV) entre 0,06 a 0,3. A medida da acuidade visual para longe e perto foi feita utilizando tabelas LH ou ETDRS, com correçäo da ametropia. A seguir os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliaçäo da estereopsia pelos testes de Titmus e Lang. A análise dos resultados mostrou que é possível a realizaçäo dos testes Lang e Titmus em portadores de visäo subnormal com acuidade visual de até 0,05. No teste de Titmus foi encontrada uma resposta positiva em 11 pacientes (40,74 por cento) e negativa em 16 pacientes (59,25 por cento) e no Teste de Lang houve uma resposta positiva em 7 (25,92 por cento) pacientes e negativa em 20 (74,07 por cento). Os autores discutem o uso de testes estereoscópicos em pacientes com visäo subnormal

Perimetria computadorizada em pacientes glaucomatosos com visäo sub-normal / Computerized perimetry in sub-normal vision glaucomatous patients

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a possibilidade da utilização da perimetria computadorizada em pacientes glaucomatosos com acuidade visual inferior à 200/400. Foram examinados 33 olhos de 33 pacientes (21 com AV = CD e 12 com AV = MM), utilizando-se o programa 24-2 do perímetro da Humphrey, inicialmente com estímulo III e depois com estímulo V. Doze pacientes não conseguiram realizar nenhum dos exames (todos com AV = MM). Dezenove pacientes conseguiram realizar os dois exames, enquanto dois pacientes que realizando o exame com estímulo V. A conclusão deste estudo é que é possível a realização da perimetria computadorizada em pacientes glaucomatosos com defeitos avançados de campo visual e AV inferior à 20/400.

Physical fitness of Saudi Youth with visual impairments

The purpose of the study was to examine the physical fitness of the visually impaired Saudi youth and the effect of age, severity of the impairment and type of the institution on their performance. The physical fitness of thirty visually impaired subjects, 15-24 years old, was measured by using the Physical Fitness Test for Saudi youth. The findings indicated that the physical fitness of the visually impaired individuals was lower than the 25th percentile of the test norms with the exception of the flexibility item. Also, there was no difference between the two age groups or the institution types. However, significant differences were found between the blind and partially sighted subjects in long jump, 50-meter dash and flexibility items. Thus physical fitness must be incorporated in the physical education programs for the visually impaired Saudi youth regardless of their age, impairment severity or institution type. Also, the Physical Fitness Test for Saudi youth is feasible to be used to evaluate the physical fitness of visually impaired but careful interpretation of the running items results is required