Effects of spectacles and telescopes on visual function in students with oculocutaneous albinism.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of spectacle and telescope corrections on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS) and reading rates (RR) in students with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA).

METHODS

An observational study design was conducted on 81 students with OCA. Distance and near VA, CS and RR were measured without correction, with spectacle correction and with a combination of spectacle correction and telescopes.

RESULTS

The mean distance and near VA values with a combination of spectacle correction and telescopes were significantly better than those without correction and with spectacle correction alone (p = 0.01). Mean CS values achieved with spectacles alone were significantly better than those obtained with a combination of spectacles and telescopes (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference between logCS values obtained without correction compared to those obtained with a combination of spectacle correction and telescopes. There were no significant differences between RR values obtained with a combination of spectacles and telescopes and those without and with spectacle correction alone (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This article provides valuable information to eye care practitioners on the effects of spectacles and telescopes on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and reading rate in students with OCA.