Visual rehabilitation of people with oculocutaneous albinism in a tertiary clinical setting in Pakistan

PURPOSE: All people with oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) have reduced vision. This study aimed to assess the benefits of low vision aids for people with OCA. METHODS: Seventy-seven consecutive people with OCA age 4 years and above examined in a low vision clinic were included in the study. Uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity (VA), VA with low vision devices, types of low vision aids, and refractive errors data were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 77 people with OCA, 57% were in the age group between 4 and 15 years and 43% in the age group of 16 years and above. At the time of presentation, the percentages of visually impaired, severe visually impaired, and blind (using WHO low vision criteria) were 52%, 22%, and 25%. Among them, 39% has near VA of 1 M or better. Difference in the means of the spherical equivalent refractive error in the right eyes and left eyes was -0.494 diopters (-01.686, 0.699; 95% confidence interval). VA improved significantly after adequate refractive correction by more than one log MAR lines in 38.6% (P < 0.01). With low vision devices, in 85.7% (n = 66) participants, VA was enhanced to normal level (6/18 or better) in the better eye while 7.8% still remained in the blind category. Telescopes were prescribed to 61% people for the enhancement of distance VA and hand hold magnifiers were prescribed to 22% people to meet their needs. CONCLUSION: Low vision aids can be successfully used in visual rehabilitation of people with OCA to meet their needs.