Preference of low vision devices in patients with central field loss and peripheral field loss

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to estimate the profile of patients visiting low vision care clinic at a tertiary eye care center in India and to analyze the preference of low vision devices (LVD). METHODS: A retrospective review was done for 450 patients with low vision who were referred to the LVC clinic from January 2019 to December 2019. The participants were categorized into two groups as central field loss (CFL) and peripheral field loss (PFL). Demographic profile details and low vision device preference were documented. RESULTS: Out of 450 patients, 242 (53.8%) were diagnosed to have CFL and 208 (46.2%) had PFL. The median age of the overall patients was 34.5 years. Overall, 323 (71.8%) were men and 127 (28.2%) were women. Cone dystrophy (21.1%) was the major cause of low vision among atrophic changes (54.1%) in CFL, and retinitis pigmentosa (81.2%) was the majority in retina related changes (81.7%) in PFL. Overall, 71.3% of the low vision patients preferred LVD. CFL group (76%) preferred LVD more than PFL group (65.9%). Almost 34% of the patients in both CFL and PFL group have preferred half eyes and Ashperics, followed by 32.5% in CFL and 28.1% in PFL preferred dome magnifiers. Statistically significant improvement in distance and near vision with the help of LVD was noted. CONCLUSION: The use of LVD can help patients with low vision in restoring useful vision, where medical and surgical treatment have no or a limited role.