J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2009 Apr;50(4):572-579. 10.3341/jkos.2009.50.4.572.

Epidemiological Analysis and Low Vision Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired Registered in Seoul

• Park JH
• Lee JY
• Kim Y
• Moon NJ

• KMID: 2212259
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2009.50.4.572

Abstract

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical manifestations, epidemiology and low vision rehabilitation results of the visually impaired registered in Seoul, Korea.
METHODS
Using a randomized, stratified systematic sampling method, we selected 60 participants registered as visually impaired who lived in Seoul. Ophthalmologic examinations of these participants were performed by one ophthalmologist.
RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 55.0+/-11.6 years. The rank 6 was the most common visual disability degree (40.0%). Ocular trauma (21.3%), optic neuropathy (20.2%) and glaucoma (11.2%) were the most common causes for visual disability. The distribution ratios of low vision and blindness were 34.4+/-11.9% and 19.7+/-10.0%, respectively. Low vision rehabilitation was performed (low vision patients, n=17), and both near and distance visual acuities improved (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Low vision rehabilitation would be a great help to the visually impaired.

Keyword

Low vision; Rehabilitation; Visually impaired registered

MeSH Terms

Blindness
Glaucoma
Humans
Korea
Optic Nerve Diseases
Vision, Low
Vision, Ocular
Visual Acuity

Reference

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