Epidemiological Analysis and Low Vision Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired Registered in Seoul

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical manifestations, epidemiology and low vision rehabilitation results of the visually impaired registered in Seoul, Korea. METHODS: Using a randomized, stratified systematic sampling method, we selected 60 participants registered as visually impaired who lived in Seoul. Ophthalmologic examinations of these participants were performed by one ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 55.0+/-11.6 years. The rank 6 was the most common visual disability degree (40.0%). Ocular trauma (21.3%), optic neuropathy (20.2%) and glaucoma (11.2%) were the most common causes for visual disability. The distribution ratios of low vision and blindness were 34.4+/-11.9% and 19.7+/-10.0%, respectively. Low vision rehabilitation was performed (low vision patients, n=17), and both near and distance visual acuities improved (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low vision rehabilitation would be a great help to the visually impaired.