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Low vision aid-A ray of hope for irreversible visual loss in the pediatric age group
V Kavitha1, Milind S Manumali1, K Praveen1
1Paediatric Ophthalmology, Sankara Eye Hospital, Thirthahalli Road, Harakere, Shimoga, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Low vision aids (LVAs) significantly improve visual acuity (VA) and quality of life (QOL) in children with low vision (LV). These aids are essential for enhancing daily functioning and overall well-being in pediatric low vision cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Care
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Low vision (LV) in children presents significant challenges to their development and quality of life (QOL).
- Effective interventions are crucial for improving visual acuity (VA) and functional outcomes in pediatric populations.
- Low vision aids (LVAs) offer potential solutions for visual enhancement in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of low vision aids (LVAs) in improving visual acuity (VA).
- To identify the primary causes of low vision (LV) in a pediatric cohort.
- To assess the impact of LVAs on the quality of life (QOL) of children with low vision.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of 74 children (4-18 years) with LV from urban and rural schools.
- LVAs (telescopes for distance, magnifiers for near) were utilized to assess VA improvement.
- Follow-up included monthly VA assessments for 3 months and QOL questionnaires post-LVA use.
Main Results:
- Significant VA improvement for distance (68.24% of eyes) and near (54.72% of eyes) was observed with LVAs.
- LV causes including retinal problems, optic atrophy, congenital anomalies, and amblyopia showed marked reduction.
- A statistically significant improvement in QOL was reported, with more children experiencing "excellent" or "good" outcomes (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Low vision aids (LVAs) are crucial for improving visual acuity (VA) in children with low vision (LV).
- LVAs effectively enhance the quality of life (QOL) for pediatric patients with visual impairments.
- The study underscores the importance of LVAs in the comprehensive management of childhood low vision.
Purpose:
To analyze visual acuity (VA) improvement, causes of low vision (LV), and quality of life (QOL) following the use of low vision aids (LVAs) in children with LV.
Methods:
A prospective analysis was conducted on children with LV aged between 4 years and 18 years between March 2013 and October 2013. Children were recruited from both urban schools and rural schools. LVAs were tried for visual improvement, and improved VA was noted. All children were trained to use the aid and followed up monthly for 3 consecutive months for VA improvement; QOL through a questionnaire was analyzed after the use of LVAs.
Results:
A total of 74 children (148 eyes; 50% male; mean age, 11.8 ± 3.2 years) were analyzed, where 34 children were recruited from rural areas and 40 from urban schools. After LVA use, 101 (68.24%) eyes of 59 (79.72%) children improved for distance with telescope and 81 (54.72%) eyes of 51 (68.91%) children improved for near with magnifiers. LV due to retinal problems, optic atrophy, congenital anomalies, and amblyopia drastically reduced after use of LVA. A statistically significantly higher proportion of children had either "excellent" or "good" QOL, and a significantly lower proportion of children had either "not satisfactory" or "poor" QOL after the use of LVA (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
LVA is essential and effective in improving VA and QOL in children with LV.
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