Long-Term Optical Device Use by Young Adults with Low Vision

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term use of optical devices by individuals who participated in a school-based comprehensive low vision program focusing on use of devices, both near and distance. Thirty-seven participants (five non-users), ages 18–28, completed phone interviews giving information on their personal characteristics, functioning with devices, and psychosocial responses to using devices. Thirty (81%) of the participants were enrolled in college or had graduated from college. Only 11 (29.7%) participants were currently employed. The most common near vision tasks were reading pages in a book and reading cooking directions, whereas the most common distance tasks were reading travel signs and viewing an activity in the distance. The 32 participants (86.5%) who reported using optical devices were positive about their experiences with optical devices, reported being comfortable when using the devices, and seemed to value their use of devices. They were less positive, however, about the use of devices to support independence. Confidence in using optical devices was associated with gender, central visual field, and years of device use.