A person impairment with low vision is one who has of visual functioning even after treatment, and/ or standard refractive correction, and has a visual acuity of less than 6/18 to light perception or a visual field of less than 10 degrees from the point of fixation, but who uses, or is potentially able to use, vision for the planning and/or execution of a task.
| Category | Corrected VA better eye | WHO definition | Working |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6/6 – 6/18 | Normal | Normal |
| 1 | <6/18 – 6/60 | Visual impairment | Low vision |
| 2 | <6/60 – 3/60 | Severe visual impairment | Low vision |
| 3 | <3/60 – 1/60 | Blind | Low vision |
| 4 | <1/60 – PL | Blind | Low vision |
| 5 | No PL | Blind | Low vision |
An optical/non-optical device that improves or enhances residual vision by magnifying the image of the object at the retinal level.
What are the Indications of Low vision aids?
| Indications in Children | Indications in Old age |
|---|---|
| Albinism | Glaucoma |
| ROP | ARMD |
| Congenital malformation | Diabetic maculopathy |
| Optic neuropathy | Macular degeneration |
| Retinal degeneration | |
| Indications in Young Adults | Chorioretinitis |
| Keratoconus | Optic atrophy |
| Ocular injuries | Myopic degeneration |
| Late manifestation of congenital malformation |
The prescription of low-vision devices constitutes an important factor for socioeconomic and cultural integration. It gives the child
A careful clinical history is important to setting goals based on real expectations. A child who participates in selecting the aid is more likely to learn how to handle it.
To achieve better acceptance of any aid, consider the child’s needs, goals, and ability to handle the aid, as well as the esthetics, weight, cost, and timing of the prescription. It is important for the child to be comfortable with the aid proposed.
For reading activities, besides achieving vision for a certain size of optotype, the child should be evaluated for reading. In the presence of eccentric fixation or difficulties with the proposed aid, training should precede prescription.
Each category of visual device has its advantages and disadvantages. In low-vision daily practice, it is common for a child to have more than one aid. The patient should be monitored frequently to evaluate the effective use of the aid prescribed and difficulties presented in daily activities and to set up more advanced goals.
Optical aids for near vision are introduced when the reduction of the distance between the object and the eye does not allow the necessary range or when the accommodative effort is too large.
At school age, with VA up to 20/200, reducing the distance between the object and the eye is recommended until the second grade. From this stage, a stand magnifier or a hand magnifier can be used for reading small-print books such as dictionaries.
For VA less than 20/200, optical aids should be prescribed earlier. If the VA is less than 20/400 and the central scotoma greater than 30 degrees, a video magnifier is indicated.
For VA equal to or less than 20/800 aids such as Braille and computer sound systems should be included, with or without other resources. Orientation and mobility techniques should be encouraged at all low vision levels.
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