Prognostic Factors in the Visual Rehabilitation of Aging Patients

Abstract

Of a group of 150 patients, 60 to 89 years of age, 84 percent were successfully using prescribed low vision aids; 16 percent had discontinued their use. The factors influencing success or failure that were investigated include ocular pathology, degree of residual vision, types of prescribed low vision aids, and psychological-emotional adjustment to life and to visual impairment. The study revealed the importance of residual vision, the patient's life situation, and the extent of the training in the use of the low vision aid, to the success of the prescription.