Knowledge and Use of Low Vision Services Among Persons with Age-related Macular Degeneration.

摘要: Visual impairment (blindness or low vision) is a leading cause of disability among older adults and most often due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The prevalence AMD rapidly increasing with the aging population; from 1991 1997, it increased 5.0% 27.1% in cohort Medicare beneficiaries (Crews, 1991; Lee, Feldman, Ostermann, Brown, & Sloan, 2003). It predicted that 2.95 million people will have by 2020 (Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group, 2004). Compared typical vision, those report greater difficulty variety daily activities (Williams, Brody, Thomas, Kaplan, 1998). For example, community sample 872 people, were 9.7 times more likely impairments instrumental living (such as taking medication shopping) than vision (Rovner Ganguli, Unfortunately, there no cure for AMD, nor can lost be restored. Although are interventions slow progression condition, treatment primarily rehabilitative. Services include rehabilitation, occupational therapy, social support programs, orientation mobility training. Assistive devices magnifiers, large-print materials books, clocks, calculators), audio books magazines), electronic reading devices, speech-output systems. Despite availability these rehabilitative services they underutilized. A series focus groups conducted National Eye Institute (NEI) indicated many persons little awareness services, and, consequence, few take advantage them (National Institute, 2001). Similar findings reported Lighthouse Survey on Vision Loss (Lighthouse International, 1995). Among only 30% using optical 21% materials, 6% received rehabilitation. common reason lack utilization was participants’ unawareness them. Ophthalmologists may not informing educating their patients about resources. Some studies ophthalmologists refer 28%–35% appropriate rehabilitation (Greenblat, 1988). Leinhaas Massof (2001) found 15% optometrists “always often” prescribed 44% 27% referred services. goal current study obtain detailed information use determine whether knowledge such related severity loss.