O OftalmopediaAn open ophthalmology reference ⌕

Low vision assessment

AI overview

Low vision is both a subspeciality and a condition.

Key points
  • Various eye care professionals may undergo further training in low vision assessment and management
    source quote
    Optometrists , Opticians , Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists after their training may undergo further training in Low vision assessment and management.
  • Classification of low vision varies by location
    source quote
    There are various classifications for low vision, this varies from country to country and even from state to state.
  • Low vision specialists help individuals use their residual vision despite conventional lenses
    source quote
    the work of a low vision specialist is very important as they aid individuals with reduced vision even in the presence of conventional lenses to be able to make use of their residual vision
  • Patients must be motivated and willing to use prescribed aids
    source quote
    People benefitting from low vision assessment must be motivated to make use of the residual vision and must again be willing to use the various aids that would be prescribed.
  • WHO classifies low vision into three categories based on visual acuity
    source quote
    people with low vision as follows: 1. 6/18 (20/60) [0.5] to 6/60 (20/200) [1.0] 2. 6/60 (20/200) [1.0] to 3/60 (20/400) [1.3] 3. 3/60 (20/400) [1.3] to 1/60 (20/1200) [1.8]
Symptoms
  • Reduced vision persists even with conventional lenses
    source quote
    individuals with reduced vision even in the presence of conventional lenses
Diagnosis
  • Visual acuity is examined using the LogMAR chart for more accurate measurements
    source quote
    Low vision visual acuity examinations are done using the LogMAR chart. The advantage that this presents with is that it allows for more accurate measures of the individual's vision to be recorded.
  • Amsler's grid test locates scotomas in the visual field
    source quote
    Amsler's grid test - to locate scotomas on the visual field of the individual
  • Colour sensitivity test assesses optic nerve function
    source quote
    Colour sensitivity test - to assess the function of the Optic nerve
  • Contrast sensitivity test assesses rod photoreceptor function
    source quote
    Contrast sensitivity test - to assess the function of rods photoreceptors
  • Visual field test determines the extent of the sensitive visual field
    source quote
    Visual field test - to know the extent of the individual's field that is sensitive
  • Near visual acuity assesses reading ability at near distances
    source quote
    Near visual acuity - to assess the reading ability at near
Treatment
  • Various aids are prescribed to help individuals use their residual vision
    source quote
    the various aids that would be prescribed
AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Low vision assessment”. Not medical advice. Verify source →

Low vision is both a subspeciality and a condition. Optometrists, Opticians, Orthoptists and Ophthalmologists after their training may undergo further training in Low vision assessment and management. There are various classifications for low vision, this varies from country to country and even from state to state. It must however be noted that the work of a low vision specialist is very important as they aid individuals with reduced vision even in the presence of conventional lenses to be able to make use of their residual vision. People benefitting from low vision assessment must be motivated to make use of the residual vision and must again be willing to use the various aids that would be prescribed.[citation needed]

The World Health Organization classifies[1][2] people with low vision as follows:

  • 1. 6/18 (20/60) [0.5] to 6/60 (20/200) [1.0]
  • 2. 6/60 (20/200) [1.0] to 3/60 (20/400) [1.3]
  • 3. 3/60 (20/400) [1.3] to 1/60 (20/1200) [1.8]

readings from left to right are in metres, feet and LogMAR values

Low vision visual acuity examinations are done using the LogMAR chart. The advantage that this presents with is that it allows for more accurate measures of the individual's vision to be recorded. Other tests done and their significance are as follows:[citation needed]

  • Amsler's grid test - to locate scotomas on the visual field of the individual
  • Colour sensitivity test - to assess the function of the Optic nerve
  • Contrast sensitivity test - to assess the function of rods photoreceptors
  • Visual field test - to know the extent of the individual's field that is sensitive
  • Near visual acuity - to assess the reading ability at near

  1. ↑ World Health Organization. Guidelines for programmes for the prevention of blindness. Geneva: WHO; 1979
  2. ↑ World Health Organization. International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD-10). Geneva: WHO; 1992.