LONG-TERM RESULTS OF LOW-VISION REHABILITATION IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

One to five years after successful low vision rehabilitation, 199 patients with age-related macular degeneration were asked by means of a questionnaire whether they still used their low vision aids and whether they were satisfied with the low vision counceling. We received feedback from 66% of the patients. 20 patients had already passed away. 74% of the 112 answering patients still use a low vision aid today. Three-quarters of them still use the originally prescribed low vision aid. Interestingly enough, the daily reading time was rather short, only 16% of the patients read more than 1 hour per day, 42% read somewhat more and 13% somewhat less than 10 minutes per day. Retrospectively, 81% of all responding patients found their low vision counceling at least a little, more of them quite or very helpful. These numbers suggest, that the initial labor of patiently examining and training older, visually handicapped patients is worthwhile.