The Effect of Low Vision Telescopes on Visual Acuity in Pediatric Glaucoma Patients

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Many adults with reduced vision utilize low vision aids to improve their quality of life. The benefit of low vision aids in pediatric glaucoma patients has not been reported in the literature. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to determine if low vision telescopes improve visual function in children with glaucoma. Methods: Fifteen pediatric low vision patients with glaucoma, mean age of 12.5 years (range 3–22 years) and a mean best–corrected visual acuity in the better seeing eye of 20/74 (range 20/32–20/1200), were included. Visual acuity of hand motions or worse was not included. Visual acuity at distance was recorded before and after the use of a low vision telescope. Each patient was given a telescope power which best improved their distance visual acuity (ranging from 2X to 6X). Results: In our study, the majority of patients had either a diagnosis of congenital glaucoma (47%) or secondary glaucoma due to aphakia (26%). All 15 patients demonstrated improved visual acuity with the telescope. Fourteen of the 15 patients demonstrated a 2–fold or greater increased distance visual acuity, while 1 patient had a 1.5–fold improvement with use of a 2.5X telescope. Conclusions: Distance visual acuity is improved with low vision telescopes in pediatric glaucoma patients.

Keywords: low vision • visual acuity