Low-vision therapy justified, ophthalmologists claim
13 May 2008

A new report suggests that low-vision therapy programs appear to significantly improve the vision of patients with macular diseases.

Findings published in the latest issue of Archives of Ophthalmology reveal that low-vision therapy, including home visits, counselling, assistive devices such as magnifiers and practice assignments, seem to have a positive effect on chronic visual impairment.

"In most cases, impaired vision cannot be corrected and rehabilitation is the only option for regaining lost function for the patient with low vision. Low-vision rehabilitation aims to restore functional ability, the ability to perform tasks modulated by visual impairment," the report's authors wrote.

According to the experts, impaired vision can increase the risk of depression, injury and have a notable impact on overall health.

The team of researchers in Illinois, concluded: "At least ten hours of low-vision therapy, including a home visit and assigned homework to encourage practice, is justified for patients with moderate and severe vision loss from macular diseases."

Macular degeneration, which affects the central vision, is the most common cause of vision loss among adults above the age of 60 and impacts millions of adults each year.

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