Effectiveness Of Low Vision Aids As Rehabilitative Services Given To Low Vision Patients At Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of various low vision aids provided to low vision patients and to observe their impact on quality of life.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from low vision patients visiting the Eye OPD, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, using a well-structured questionnaire. We estimated a total sample size of 100 using a formula and collected data through non-probability convenience sampling. Informed consent was obtained. We analyzed the data using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS
Of the 100 participants, 74% were male, and 26% were female. 36% of participants were aged 5-15 years, whereas 64% were 16-80 years old. 98% already used low vision aids, and 2% did not. Of these, 66% used telescopes, 16% used magnifiers, and 18% used both. After the use of low vision aids, 40% of participants had a visual acuity in the range of 6/6 and 6/9, 24% had between 6/18 and 6/12, 21% between 6/24 and 6/18, 11% had between 6/60 and 6/36, 3% had between 1/60 and 3/60 and 1% between 4/60 and 5/60. Of 100 participants, 51% had average effectiveness, 38% poor effectiveness, and 11% excellent effectiveness. Participants' quality of life improved significantly. 40% of participants had slightly improved quality of life, 38% had moderately improved quality of life, and 22% had significantly improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Use of low vision aids has significantly improved vision and quality of life in low vision patients. The dependency on others to perform various daily tasks has greatly decreased for a vast majority of patients. Hence, our study concludes that low vision aids have proved to be really effective as a visual rehabilitative service for low vision patients.