Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2017  |  Volume : 65  |  Issue : 10  |  Page : 995--998

Improvement in distance and near visual acuities using low vision devices in diabetic retinopathy


Sarika Gopalakrishnan1, Aishwarya Muralidharan3, Shwetha Chambayil Susheel3, Rajiv Raman2 
1 Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) University, Thanjavur; Optometrist, Low Vision Care Clinic, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Senior Retina Consultant, Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Correspondence Address:
Rajiv Raman
Sankara Nethralaya, No. 18, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 006, Tamil Nadu
India

Purpose: The aim of this study is to elucidate the causes and level of visual impairment (VI) in patients with different pathologies of diabetic retinopathy (DR) who presented to a low vision care (LVC) clinic, to analyze the type of distant and near devices prescribed to them and the visual benefits thereof. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done for 100 consecutive patients with DR who were referred to the LVC clinic from June 2015 to June 2016. The reason for referral was assessed from the electronic medical records and available fundus photographs, fundus fluorescein angiograms, and optical coherence tomography images by a retina specialist. The details of low-vision devices and subsequent improvements were noted. Results: Of the 100 patients, 52% had moderate VI, 19% mild VI, 16% severe VI, and 13% had profound VI or blindness. The most commonly prescribed low vision device was half-eye spectacles (38.4%). The pathologies which had statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in distance vision with low vision devices were DR with disc pallor (4.4% improvement), ischemic maculopathy (11.9% improvement), and plaque of hard exudate (10.1% improvement). However, in all pathologies, there was statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in near vision. Conclusion: Usually, the patients with DR presented to the LVC clinic with moderate VI. The use of low vision devices can help these patients in cases where medical and surgical treatment have no or a limited role in restoring useful vision.


How to cite this article:
Gopalakrishnan S, Muralidharan A, Susheel SC, Raman R. Improvement in distance and near visual acuities using low vision devices in diabetic retinopathy.Indian J Ophthalmol 2017;65:995-998


How to cite this URL:
Gopalakrishnan S, Muralidharan A, Susheel SC, Raman R. Improvement in distance and near visual acuities using low vision devices in diabetic retinopathy. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2017 [cited 2024 Mar 29 ];65:995-998
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=0301-4738;year=2017;volume=65;issue=10;spage=995;epage=998;aulast=Gopalakrishnan;type=0