AIM: To assess the effectiveness of low vision devices in visual rehabilitation of people with age-related macular degeneration(AMD).

METHODS: Forty-four consecutive people with AMD were assessed in low vision clinic. Data about uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity, refractive errors, types of low vision aids(LVAs)and reading speed prior and with low vision devices were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS: Among 44 people with mean age 73±10.8 years suffering from AMD, 36(82%)were male. 29(67%)participants had distance visual acuity(DVA)of 1.0-1.6 LogMAR in the better-seeing eyes while 36(82%)had near visual acuity(NVA)less than 3.2 m. Mean improvement in DVA with low vision devices was 0.67±0.27 LogMAR(P=0.000). With LVAs 42(95%)participants achieved NVA of 1 m or better whereas only two(4.5%)participants had NVA of 1 m without LVAs. With the provision of adequate LVAs, mean reading speed was improved from 2.9±4.78 words per minute(wpm)to 71.31±29.96 wpm among the group of participants who could read(P<0.001). Monocular telescopes were prescribed to 15 participants for distance vision and high plus monocular lenses in spectacle were the most common aid for reading.

CONCLUSION: LVAs can play an effective role in vision rehabilitation of people with AMD and in improvement of reading abilities. Referral to low vision care services must be considered for people with AMD.