DESCRIPTION OF THE PRISMATION METHOD FOR THE REEDUCATION OF MACULAR LOW-VISION

Goals This work aimed at presenting an original rehabilitation method based on the prismation available for patients with organic lesions of the macula. We report results obtained in our first series of patient s. Material and methods The treatment was given to 14 patients, 7 wome n and 7 men, aged from 68 to 92 years, with an average age of 81.64, f ollowed in ''Low Vision'' consultation, and suffering from bilateral m acular diseases. All the patients with age-related macular degeneratio n developed retinal correspondences. They all received a bilateral pri smation over their old correction. The orientation of the prisms takin g into account the eccentric fixations. The criteria chosen for survei llance were binocular subjective and objective acuity, contrast sensit ivity and vision of colours. Results For all the patients concerned, t he method led to an immediate subjective improvement of the visual fun ction. Tolerance to optical support was improved. The patients recover ed better self-sufficiency in their daily life. The objective binocula r far VA was improved by at least one line for 92.86% of the patients, by at least 2 lines for 42.85% and by 3 lines for 7.14%. The binocula r contrast sensitivity Mins better for all the patients. Regarding the vision of binocular colours, the examination performance time was imp roved for all the patients. Conclusions Prismation allows optimal use of the corresponding eccentric fixation areas. It appears as an intere sting new therapeutic method for patients with macular-related low vis ion. It is complementary to rehabilitation treatment of such patients.