REFRACTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW VISION: CLINICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Injuries and diseases affecting any part of the visual system may result in the development of low vision. The approach to the patient, as well as the understanding of the psychological aspects associated with visual impairment, have a significant impact on tretmentoutcomes and the process of visual rehabilitation. Motivation, belif, and the active participation of the patient play a particulary important role, contributing to better acceptance of the condition, more effective coping strategies, and optimal utilization of the remaining visual potential. Within the framework of this study, a total of 100 praticipants with various ocular diseases and conditions leading to low vision were analyzed. The study group included patients with refractive anomalies (myopia, hypermetropia, presbyopia, and astigmatisam), strabismus, cataract, glaucoma, optic nerve atrophy, retinal diseases, and amblyopia. Each participant had one or more ocular conditions with low vision present in one or both eyes, and the interrelationship between diagnoses resulted in additional impairment of visual functions. The most frequently diagnosed condition was amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye”, which occurs as a result of multiple etiological factors. Refractive assessment was performed in all patients using both subjective and objek=ctive methods, after which appropriate correction with spectaceles or contact lenses was prescribed: in some cases, surgical intervention was also indicated. Amblyopia was registered in 24% of the participants, with either mild or severe forms indendified, including both progressive and long-standing amblyopia, indicating that this condition represented the most prevalent diagnosis in the studied population. Strabismus was diagnosed in 15 participants, with the majority of patients with amblyopia presenting with convergent strabismus. Refractive anomalies also showed a significant association with amblyopia and were recorded in a large proportion of participants, including 13 cases of myopia, 15 cases of hypermetropia, and 20 cases of astigmatisam. Asmaller number of prticipants were diagnosed with cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disease (one participant each), as well as optic nerve atrophy (two participants). Presbyopia was registred in eight participants. The results of the study emphasize the need for timely diagnosis and adequate refraction in patients with low vision as a foundation for preserying and improving visual function. However, despite advances in ophthalmology, complete visual rehabilitation cannot always be achieved. Regardles of whether low vision is congenital, acquired as a result of disease, or caused by injury, in certain cases there is no fully effective theraoeutic approach. Therefore, there is a need for futher, more detailed research on low vision, with particular emphasis on refraction and psychological support for patients with visual impairment.