Optical treatment of residual vision in diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study of diabetic retinopathy are to classify degree of vision impairment, determine the percentage of patients for whom vision can be improved by an accurate refraction, identify the most useful magnifying devices, and arrive at the success rate for the magnifiers.

METHODS

Study of 101 consecutive subjects.

RESULTS

Visual acuity was 20/200 (6/60) or better in 71% of subjects. Spectacle correction improved vision for 29%. High-add bifocal magnifiers improved vision for 30% of patients; half-eye spectacle magnifiers improved vision for 45%; and hand-held magnifiers improved vision for 11% of patients. Visolett magnifiers improved vision for 44%, and combination spectacle magnifiers and Visolett improved vision for 24% of patients. Multiple optical aids for 63% of patients resulted in a success rate of 68%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ophthalmologist is obligated to ensure that eyes are refracted and appropriate magnifying devices are provided as part of treatment for diabetic retinopathy.