Follow-up of patients suffering from age-related macular degeneration and equipped with visual aids

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is at present the major cause of legal blindness in industrialized countries. The results of variou s treatments are often not satisfactory and follow-up by Low-Vision service s is then the only solution for this population. Few studies have been publ ished on this subject. The purpose of this study is to present the use of m agnifying systems and the degree of satisfaction obtained for this series o f patients 6 months after prescription. Patients and methods: Forty-four patients were examined, 42 of whom were el igible for the study. Lenses, magnifying glasses, visual systems for interm ediate distance, and electronic systems were proposed. A low-vision trainin g was given to every patient. Results: The highest degree of use and satisfaction was achieved with the e lectronic systems. In some cases, however, the other systems were well acce pted by the patients. Conclusion: The follow-up of patients with age-related macular degeneration is of great social importance. The independence of elderly people can be s afeguarded thanks to the help of Low-Vision services with a good equipment and a well-trained team. Sometimes, unsophisticated systems such as magnify ing glasses can be proposed, but the best results are mostly obtained throu gh electronic systems (TV).