A Case of Low Vision Device Application in a Patient with Visual Acuity Counting Fingers

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the successful application of a Keplerian telescope in a low vision patient whose visual acuity was counting fingers, which is typically a difficult range for LVA adaptation. METHODS: We used telescopes, distance low vision devices, in a 36-year-old man whose visual acuity, because of congenital corneal opacity, was limited to hand movement in his left eye and to counting fingers in his right eye. The objective was to improve his ability to participate in outdoor activities. RESULTS: Even though the patient's visual acuity was seemingly beyond improvement, his visual acuity was improved to the level of 20/100 with a distance low vision device, a Keplerian telescope 8 x 30. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of patients whose visual acuity is worse than counting fingers, it is usually difficult to improve poor vision by using telescopes for distance. However, in spite of restricted adaptation, low vision telescopes can be used to produce good results in low vision patients.