서울지역에 등록된 시각장애인의 역학적 분석과 저시력 재활치료

Epidemiological Analysis and Low Vision Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired Registered in Seoul

Purpose: To analyze the clinical manifestations, epidemiology and low vision rehabilitation results of the visually impaired registered in Seoul, Korea. Methods: Using a randomized, stratified systematic sampling method, we selected 60 participants registered as visually impaired who lived in Seoul. Ophthalmologic examinations of these participants were performed by one ophthalmologist. Results: The mean age of participants was 55.0±11.6 years. The rank 6 was the most common visual disability degree (40.0%). Ocular trauma (21.3%), optic neuropathy (20.2%) and glaucoma (11.2%) were the most common causes for visual disability. The distribution ratios of low vision and blindness were 34.4±11.9% and 19.7±10.0%, respectively. Low vision rehabilitation was performed (low vision patients, n=17), and both near and distance visual acuities improved (p<0.05). Conclusions: Low vision rehabilitation would be a great help to the visually impaired. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2009;50(4):572-579