Abstract
Purpose: To determine if a new commercially available spectacle lens, the E-Scoop lens, has a significant effect on visual performance in individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition the study aimed to compare visual performance with the E-Scoop lens to another spectacle lens marketed as being of potential benefit to AMD sufferers, the PLS-450 lens.Methods: 22 individuals (age range 58 to 80 yrs) with varying degrees of non-exudative AMD were recruited to the study. Distance visual acuity (ETDRS LogMAR chart), Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity, reading acuity and reading speed (MNRead, words per minute) were measured under 7 different conditions for each individual in a randomised order; with habitual spectacle lens, with each of the three variations of the E-Scoop lens (Norville) and with each of three variations of the PLS-450 lens (Norville) which was modified with equivalent levels of prism to that used in the E-Scoop lens (4, 6 and 8 base up). One-way ANOVA with post-hoc testing was used to determine the effect of the lenses for each of the measures of visual performance.Results: Mean distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were statistically significantly better with any of the lenses compared to the ordinary spectacle lens, but no lens gave significantly better performance than any of the others for either of these visual function measures. The average improvement in distance visual acuity for the lenses was one line of a LogMAR chart (range 0-0.28 LogMAR) and 0.15 log units of contrast sensitivity (range 0-0.4 log units). Mean reading acuity did not change with any of the lenses and although mean reading speed improved with all of the lenses compared with the clear spectacle lens, this did not reach statistical significance. The mean improvement in reading speed for each of the lenses was approximately 20 words per minute (range 0-64). A number of participants felt such functional improvements were of significant value to them.Conclusions: The E-Scoop lens can significantly improve a variety of clinical measures of visual performance in AMD patients, the magnitude of which is similar to that found with a modified PLS-450 lens. Clinicians in practice should consider the benefit of prescribing such lenses in individuals with AMD on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the subjective feedback from the patient.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Unknown Host Publication |
Publisher | College of Optometrists |
Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 13 Mar 2016 |
Event | Optometry Tomorrow 2016 - Duration: 13 Mar 2016 → … |
Conference
Conference | Optometry Tomorrow 2016 |
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Period | 13/03/16 → … |
Keywords
- vision
- age-related macular degeneration
- visual acuity
- contrast sensitivity
- reading speed