Quality of life in children with low vision following use of low vision aids

Abstract

CONTEXT: Vision loss early in life has profound functional and psychological implications. Functional vision, defined as vision that can be used to perform a task(s) requiring vision, can be assessed by a number of tools. Questionnaires are a popular tool. AIMS: This study aimed at assessing the vision-related quality of life (QOL) with the help of LV Prasad-Functional Vision Questionnaire (LVP-FVQ) and also to analyze the outcome of baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 3 months after the introduction of low vision aids (LVAs) in children with low vision (LV). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, longitudinal study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty children aged between 8 and 18 years with LV were recruited and prescribed LVAs for distance and/or near based on their needs. The QOL and BCVA for distance and near were assessed before and 3 months after the introduction of LVAs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Student's t-test was used to calculate the P value. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the vision-related QOL (P < 0.001) as well as the baseline BCVA (P = 0.002), 3 months after use of LVAs. CONCLUSION: LVAs are effective in improving the vision-related QOL and can also act as vision stimulator.

Keywords

• best-corrected visual acuity
• children
• low vision
• low vision aids
• quality of life