FIRST CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE ON THE LOW-VISION-ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM (LVES(R)) - A NEW-TYPE OF OPTOELECTRONIC REHABILITATION DEVICE

Background: The Low-Vision-Enhancement-System (LVES(R)) is the first b inocular optoelectronic rehabilitation device with variable focus dist ance. Method: LVES(R) was attempted on 25 patients who were not adequa tely treatable with classic rehabilitation devices. Using the new devi ce, short-distance vision as well as the ability to read and write wer e tested. Results: In six patients, a significant improvement was achi eved using LVES(R). In these patients, short-distance vision as measur ed by LVES(R) varied from 0.63 to 1.0. All succeeded in reading fluent ly, and five patients, in writing. Of these patients, five suffered fr om large central scotomas due to macular disease, and one female patie nt, from post-traumatic optic nerve atrophy. In in patients, near-sigh ted vision could be improved although the ability to read and write co uld not be restored, while nine patients did not show any benefit. In the latter group, were four patients with retinopathia pigmentosa, who complained of the further reduction in visual field due to the system . Conclusion: LVES(R) is an additional device for the rehabilitation o f low-vision patients which is especially useful in cases of macular d iseases.