Effect of Low Vision Devices on Visual Acuity and Visual Function of Students of Schools for the Blind in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of low vision aids (LVA) on the visual acuity and visual function of students of schools for the blind in South East Nigeria. Settings and design: This was a cross-sectional, interventional study conducted in three schools for the blind in Southeast, Nigeria. Methods: All students who consented and met the eligibility criteria from these schools were enlisted for the study. Each participant underwent visual acuity assessment and a thorough eye examination, which included tests involving low vision aids. Participants who had improvement in their vision were provided with low vision aids and reassessed four months later. In addition, changes in functional vision were assessed using the LV Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire. Results: Ninety-two students made up of 52 (57.0%) men and 40 (43.0%) women were examined. The mean age was 18.4 ± 6.4 years. Eighty-eight (95.7%) students had visual acuity <3/60 in the better eye before refraction. Eleven (12%) students had improvement in visual acuity to ≥6/60 in the better eye with refraction. Thirteen (14.1%) students had improvement by at least one grade of the WHO visual acuity categories with the use of low vision aids and 10 (76.9%) of these were able to read N10 or better. The improvement in functional vision was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Low Vision Aids are important in the rehabilitation of students with residual vision.