ABSTRACT

To determine the etiology of low vision in school-age children, to define telescopic system preferences, and to determine the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with and without these systems and compare between them.

Forty cases referred between December 2014 and December 2015 were included. Sex, age distribution, and the etiology of these cases were evaluated. Distance best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was determined using the ETDRS scale with and without the telescopic system and converted to the logMar unit. Distance BCVA with and without telescopic system use was statistically compared.

Sex distribution of the cases was equivalent (males, 50% and females, 50%). The mean age of cases was 9.40±2.34 years. The most frequent case group was the hereditary retinal dystrophy group, whereas the least frequent case groups were the optic disc hypoplasia and high myopia groups. The most preferred telescopic system by the cases was 2.5x Galilei system. A statistically significant difference was found in the increased vision in terms of distance BCVA.

Various diseases are included in the etiology of vision deficits in school-aged children. It is important to refer these school-age children with vision deficits to clinics that help and/or rehabilitate individuals with vision deficits to provide education of such children to the same level as normal children of the same age group and to develop their social communication skills.

Keywords: Albinism, low vision, nystagmus