Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effect of LVR and OT on low vision patients' ability to perform ADLs.
Methods: :
15 low vision patients had TIADL and visual function testing performed at presentation and after LVR. Patients were prescribed visual aids and OT. The TIADL test included the following tasks: (1) identify the amount due on a bill, (2) write a check, (3) find $11 among various currency, (4) find a number in a phone book, (5) dial the phone number, and (6) identify 4 queen playing cards from 12 face cards. Patients were allowed to use any available aid for the test. They were timed until the task was completed correctly or until 120 sec. elapsed. If a patient was unable to complete the task within that time, they were assigned a 120 sec. score.
Results: :
7 men and 8 women had age median (range) 81 (51-98). All had a maculopathy, 2 also had POAG and 1 also had diabetic retinopathy. Initial best eye VA ranged from 20/32-383, median 20/115. 10/15 patients received low vision OT in addition to their 70-min. visit with the low vision ophthalmologist. With respect to the followup TIADL exam, of the 5 who did not receive OT, 1 (20%) completed more tasks, 4 (80%) completed the same number, and 3 (60%) completed the tasks faster. Of the 10 who received OT, 6 (60%) completed more tasks, 4 (40%) completed the same number of tasks, and 8 (80%) completed the tasks faster. As a group, it took 3,448 sec. to complete the TIADL tasks initially and 2,670 sec. at followup (p<0.0001, paired sample t-test). Initially 73 tasks were completed with 83 at followup (p=0.008, paired sample sign test). 3/4 patients who performed the TIADL tasks slower at follow-up had worse visual function. All 4 patients completed the same number of tasks.
Conclusions: :
After LVR, patients were able to complete significantly more TIADLs within 120 sec. and were able to complete them faster. This TIADL test may be a useful outcome measure for low vision rehabilitation. Further study is needed to determine within what timeframe TIADL tasks should be measured.
Keywords: low vision • quality of life • age-related macular degeneration