Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients with Low Vision: A Hospital Based Study

Abstract

Background: Vision impairment is a significant problem in our country. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the causes and to record the demographic profile of patients with low vision. Material & Methods: After taking permission from ethical committee, the study was conducted on 250 patients presenting in low vision clinic of Regional Institute of Ophthalmology punjab in north India .A detailed examination and information regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded .the visual acuity of all the patients were determined using Snellen chart followed by anterior and posterior segment examination using a slit-lamp bio microscope and direct and /or indirect ophthalmoscope.Refraction was done in all the subjects and Best corrected visual acuity was recorded. Their demographic and clinical profile were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Majority of the patients presenting with low vision were found to be above 56 years of age with higher prevalence in rural (54.40%) than in urban (45.60%) population. Male (65.60%)were predominant than females(34.40%) .Major etiological causes were Diabetic retinopathy 76 (30 .40%) followed by Pathological Myopia (21.20%), ARMD (14.80%), Retinitis pigmentosa (6.80%) and Glaucoma (6.00%). Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy and pathological myopia were the predominant causes of low vision. Patients from rural background were more affected than urban areas.