Visual Search Performance in Patients with Vision Impairment: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Neuroscience
• Human Visual Performance Research

Background:

• Visual impairment presents significant challenges to patient independence and productivity.
• Visual search capacity is crucial for daily activities and serves as an indicator of overall visual function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between vision impairment and visual search performance.
• To understand how different ophthalmologic conditions affect visual search capabilities.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted.
• Searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane) from 1980 to 2016.
• Included 40 studies from 12,059 initially identified records.

Main Results:

• Visual impairment is consistently associated with poorer visual search performance.
• This association was observed across various ophthalmologic conditions, including induced impairments, eye diseases, and neurological disorders.
• Participant demographics varied, with sample sizes ranging from 5 to 199.

Conclusions:

• The review details factors affecting visual search tasks in visually impaired individuals.
• Highlights the necessity for standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches utilizing visual search.
• Emphasizes the potential of visual search capabilities in managing vision impairment.