8^th Global Ophthalmology Meeting

Biography

Biography: Muthuvenkatraman Ambika

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients using low vision aids (LVA). Methods: Modified National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) to it local usage was administered to 22 first time LVA users. After 3 Months of their LVA usage, the same questionnaire was again administered. Since only near LVA is given for all our patients, the scores of the questions relating to the distance vision were not taken in to the analysis. The mean scores of each category in our questionnaire were compared between before and after LVA intervention using paired t test. And the effect size values were also determined. Results: The mean scores between before and after LVA intervention showed significant difference (p<0.001) in the categories General vision and near vision targeted questions. The mean scores of the category 1 well being, distress and dependency (1 WBDD) also showed a significant difference (p<0.002) between pre and post LVA interventions. The categories namely, general, systemic and ocular health, social functioning, role limitations, 2 well being, distress and dependency (2 WBDD) scores did not change significantly after low vision services. Conclusions: Low vision services are associated with high patient satisfaction. Near vision targeted questions were more sensitive than general health related questions. There was an improvement in the near functional status after low vision services. There was a marked improvement in the quality of life of patients who are less than fifty years of age when compared to that of the patients who are aged above 50 years because of other age related systemic ailments. Improvement in the near visual acuity was well related with the frequency of the use of LVA. Therefore low vision training and regular follow-ups play an important role in improving the quality of life.