J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.
1999 Oct;40(10):2884-2892.
Low Vision Care for Elderly Patients Over 60
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Ophthalmology, National Medical Center.
Abstract
- Forty patients, age of 60 or more, who visited our low vision clinic from May 1995 to Dec.1998 were studied about visual acuity before visual correction, visual acuity after correction, ocular diseases, prescribed aids, required magnification, effect of illumination and contrast sensitivity. The visual acuity was improved significantly at near after visual correction with low vision aids [p<.01,Wilcoxon signed rank test]. The most common disease was age-related macular degeneration [30%]. Also, the most commonly prescribed low vision aids for near task were magnifiers in 24 cases[58.5%]. The aids for near task were prescribed in 36 patients [90.0%]. The aids for distance were prescribed for only 9 patients [22.5%]. The mean required magnification was x5. A successful prescription for near task was possible in 77.5%. The consideration of reduced visual acuity and field, reduced color perception and contrast sensitivity, delayed light or dark adaptation time, illumination, presbyopia and associated physical impairment is critical in low vision care for elderly patients. Longer period follow up should be required because of a delayed adaptation to low vision aids.
