Quantity and quality of vision using tinted filters in patients with low vision due to diabetic retinopathy

• Main Authors: Naser Sadeghpour, Ali Agha Alishiri, Reza Ajudani, Mohammad Hossein Khosravi, Mohammad Aghazadeh Amiri, Omid Sadeghpour
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Knowledge E 2015-01-01
• Series: Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research
• Subjects: Contrast Sensitivity; Diabetic Retinopathy; Low Vision; Tinted Filters
• Online Access: http://www.jovr.org/article.asp?issn=2008-322X;year=2015;volume=10;issue=4;spage=429;epage=432;aulast=Sadeghpour

Purpose: To investigate the effect of tinted filters on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity and patient satisfaction in diabetic retinopathy associated with low vision. Methods: In a prospective study, 51 patients with diabetic retinopathy and low vision were assessed. We chose a simple random sampling method and used the patient's files for data collection. LogMAR notations were applied for assessing VA and a contrast sensitivity chart (CSV-1000) was employed for measuring contrast sensitivity. First, measurements were performed without tinted filters and then using them. Appropriate lenses were given to the patients for 2 days, and they were questioned about their satisfaction using them in different places. Results: A total of 20 male and 31 female patients with mean age of 57.3 years participated in the study. With a 527 ± 10 nm filter, mean VA improved significantly (P ≤ 0.05). Using the 527 ± 10 nm and 511 ± 10 nm filters, mean contrast sensitivity was improved significantly at 3 and 6 cycles/degree frequencies (P < 0.05). The effect of other filters on VA and contrast sensitivity was not significant. Patient satisfaction rate was generally high. Conclusion: Tinted filters are able to rehabilitate low-vision patients due to diabetic retinopathy. The 527 ± 10 and 511 ± 10 nm wavelength filters improved contrast sensitivity and the 527 ± 10 nm filter improved VA to some extent. Further investigations are recommended to assess the effect of these filters in patients with other causes of low-vision.