Low vision perspectives on glaucoma.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Glaucoma is one of the major causes of visual impairment, especially in the older population. The aim of this paper is to examine the demographics of patients with glaucoma-induced visual impairment. METHOD: Visual rehabilitation information was analysed for 590 visually impaired patients attending the multi-disciplinary low vision clinic at Kooyong in Melbourne. Data collected included age, subjective assessment of glare, mobility and visual needs, visual acuity (at distance and near), contrast sensitivity, visual field loss or disruption and magnifiers prescribed. An assessment was also made of the patients' psychological status and the members of the multi-disciplinary team involved in their rehabilitation was noted. RESULTS: Glaucoma was the primary cause of visual loss in 8.5 per cent of patients and was a secondary contributor to visual impairment in 5.9 per cent. The mean distance visual acuity was 6/38 and peak contrast sensitivity was 10 dB. Sixty-four per cent of glaucoma patients had magnifiers prescribed to help them achieve their visual needs, which were to read newspapers in the majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: In the management of low vision patients, it is important to understand the eye disease causing the visual impairment and its effects. The glaucoma sufferer must be treated as a whole person. The psychological state and the need for services such as welfare and mobility training must be considered to enable him or her to enjoy an improved quality of life.