Abstract

Aim: To assess the magnitude of low vision (LV) among ophthalmic patients of North West Bank (NWB) discrete.

Methods: Institution based cross section study was performed at An-Najah National University Hospital which is a large tertiary hospital serving NWB. A total of 3000 patients who were more than 18 years old were selected between June 2018 - June 2019. Comprehensive ophthalmic exam was done and patients with LV (best corrected visual acuity after any possible treatment < 6/18 (0.33) to >= LP) were studied.

Results: A total of 106 (3.5%) were having LV. 48 patients (45.3%) were males and 58 (54.7%) were females. Average age of LV patients was 67 years. Most LV patients had VA less than 0.05 (decimal) (3/60 Snellen). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was the leading cause of LV and retina related causes compromised the vast majority of cases.

Conclusion: The magnitude of LV is high but most of its association are either avoidable or treatable. The role of screening and counseling programs and early diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized along with increase awareness of LV services and their importance to visually impaired persons.

Keywords: Low Vision; North West Bank; Cross Section Study; Diabetic Retinopathy

Title

Acta Scientific Ophthalmology

Publisher

Acta Scientific Ophthalmology

Publisher Country

Palestine

Indexing

Thomson Reuters

Impact Factor

1.042

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

5

Year

2022

Pages

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