Assessment and management of children with visual impairment.

PURPOSE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of low vision aids in improving visual performance and response in children with low vision.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical case series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 50 patients that met the international criteria for a diagnosis of low vision. Their ages ranged from 5 to 15 years. Assessment of low vision included distance and near visual acuity assessment, color vision and contrast sensitivity function. Low vision aids were prescribed based on initial evaluation and the patient's visual needs. Patients were followed up for 1 year using the tests done at the initial examination and a visual function assessment questionnaire.

RESULTS

The duration of visual impairment ranged from 1 to 10 years, with mean duration +/- SD being 4.6+/- 2.3299. The near visual acuities ranged from A10 to A20, with mean near acuity +/- SD being A13.632 +/- 3.17171. Far visual acuities ranged from 6/60 (0.06) to 6/24 (0.25), with mean far visual acuity +/- SD being 0.122 +/- 0.1191. All patients had impaired contrast sensitivity function as tested using the vision contrast testing system (VCTS) chart for all spatial frequencies. Distance and near vision aids were prescribed according to the visual acuity and the visual needs of every patient. All patients in the age group 5-7 years could be integrated in mainstream schools. The remaining patients that were already integrated in schools demonstrated greater independency regarding reading books and copying from blackboards.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed that low vision aids could play an effective role in minimizing the impact of low vision and improving the visual performance of children with low vision, leading to maximizing their social and educational integration.