Abstract
Purpose: I. To determine the causes of low vision by age and sex. II. To assess the need of spectacles and low-vision devices (LVDs) in low-vision patients attending the clinic at the Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. III. To determine the proportion of patients with low vision whose distance visual acuity (VA) can be enhanced to 6/18 or better in the better eye and who have the potential to discern 1 M (newspaper print) after appropriate refraction and application of low-vision devices (LVDs). Design: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 504 individuals attending the low-vision clinic between June 2000 and June 2002 were included in the study. Of this cohort, 372 (73.8%) were male and 132 (26.2%) were female. The inclusion criterion was that the individual had VA < 6/18 in the better eye after medical or surgical treatment and/or best available correction. Results: The leading cause of low vision in age group 16 years was nystagmus 28 (16.97%). While the leading cause amongst all patients was myopic degeneration (14.48%, 95% CI). The percentages of visually impaired, severe visually impaired, and blind (using the WHO low-vision criteria) were 41% (95%CI), 22.4% (95%CI), and 36.5% (95%CI), respectively. After appropriate refraction, 19% of the patients achieved a VA of 6/18 or better. With LVDs, 86% (95%CI) achieved a VA of 6/18 or better and 90% (95%CI) achieved essentially normal near visual acuity. Spectacles were the most common devices. Conclusions: Low-vision clinics have now become an integral part of comprehensive eye-care services. Any patient with some residual vision must be referred to a low-vision clinic for the possibility of exploiting his/her visual potential through LVDs or other means. With appropriate training in their use, counseling, and medical and social support, LVDs can make a significant change in the quality of life of affected individuals.