A retrospective study of low-vision cases in an Indian tertiary eye-care hospital

To obtain data on the characteristics of low-vision patients seen at a tertiary eye care hospital in India.

Records of 410 patients were retrospectively reviewed at the Centre for Sight Enhancement, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. Patient underwent a comprehensive clinical low-vision examination. Data obtained included age, gender, consanguinity, visual acuity, visual fields, ocular conditions causing low vision and types of low-vision devices and methods prescribed.

Two hundred and ninety seven (72%) of 450 patients were male. One-fifth were in the 11-20 years age group (21%). Visual acuity in the better eye was < 6/18-6/60 in almost half these patients (49.3%). One hundred and twenty two patients (29.9%) referred with a visual acuity of > or = 6/18, either had difficulty in reading normal print or had restricted visual fields. The main causes for low vision were: retinitis pigmentosa (19%), diabetic retinopathy (13%), Macular diseases (17.7%), and degenerative myopia (9%). Visual rehabilitation was achieved using accurate correction of ametropia (174 patients), approach magnification (74 patients) and telescopes (45 patients) for recognising faces, watching television and board work. Spectacle magnifiers (187 patients), hand/stand magnifiers (9 patients), closed-circuit television (3 patients), overhead illumination lamp (143 patients) and reading stand (24 patients) were prescribed for reading tasks. Light control devices (146 patients) were used for glare control, and cane (128 patients) and flashlight (50 patients) for mobility. Patients were trained in activities to improve their daily living skills, (54 patients); counselled in environmental modification (144 patients) and ancillary care (63 patients) for educational and vocational needs.

Data obtained from this study elucidates the characteristics of low-vision patients. This information is likely to help in the development of appropriate low vision services.