Clinical Aspect of Low Vision Patients due to Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical features of low vision patients due to macular degeneration and to evaluate the efficacy of low vision aids in patients with the disease. METHODS: Out of 283 patients who visited the vision clinic of Seoul National University Hospitalfrom March 2004 to January 2007, the number of patients with macular degeneration was 38. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 23 male and 15 female patients. The average age was 69.7+/-11.2 years and 34 patients (89.5%) were over 50 years of age. From the visits to the low vision clinic, results showed thenear vision improved in 63%, distant vision in 5.3%, and both in 7.9% of the patients. With the help of low vision aids, near visual acuity of 0.4 or better was achieved in 80% of the patients. Low vision aids were prescribed for near vision in 30 patients and for distant vision in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Near vision can improve in most macular degeneration patients with the use of proper low vision aids. Consistent education and training could promote successful use of the devices.