Research Studies
A second trial of the low vision readers is pending approval by the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board. This study will compare reading speed and a reading activity index (standardized way of determining if the glasses benefit people). This study will use the updated prototype with 1,000lux lighting.
Clinical Study Presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry
| Title | EVALUATION OF ILLUMINATED LOW VISION READING GLASSES |
|---|---|
| Program Number | 95755 |
| Author | Sonsino, Jeffrey O.D., F.A.A.O. (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) |
| Abstract | PURPOSE: To compare spot reading visual acuity with a novel device, Illuminated Low Vision Reading Glasses (ILVG), to that of habitual bifocal correction in patients with visual impairment. ILVG provide illumination, magnification, and prism correction, permitting patients with vision impairment to read smaller text sizes. METHODS: Twenty-seven consecutive subjects referred for a low vision rehabilitation evaluation to the Vanderbilt Center for Sight Enhancement were recruited. Subjects had best-corrected ETDRS distance visual acuity of 20/50 or worse in the better-seeing eye. Diagnoses included age-related macular degeneration (64%), diabetic retinopathy (7%), Stargardt maculopathy (11%), and glaucoma with central vision loss (7%). Near LogMAR acuity using the ETDRS near chart was compared with subjects’ habitual bifocal correction to acuity with ILVG. If the subject did not arrive with reading correction, a +2.50 near prescription was provided. The working distance was measured and room illumination was set to a standard lumen level. RESULTS: Ambient room illumination measured 400Lux. ILVG output 100Lux of additional illumination. Average best-corrected distance LogMAR ETDRS visual acuity for visually impaired subjects was 0.76±B10.30 (20/125+2). Subjects habitual bifocal glasses had an average of 2.65±B10.47 add. Near visual acuity with habitual glasses was 0.71±B10.23 (2.0M-1) with a 27.26±B17.9cm working distance. Near visual acuity with ILVG was 0.43±B10.19 (1.0M-2) with a working distance of 18.50±B13.4cm. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant (P<0.0001) improvement in spot reading visual acuity with ILVG compared to habitual bifocals. The 33% reduction in working distance with ILVG is below the 50% reduction expected when doubling of the dioptric power. This effect is attributed to the additional contrast enhancement with LED illumination. Illuminated Low Vision Reading Glasses are a viable device for reading with visual impairment. |
| Key Words | Low vision, Reading, Macular degeneration |