Vision Rehabilitation
Despite optimal treatment, inflammatory disorders of the eye can lead to decreased vision. Worldwide, inflammatory disease is a significant cause of blindness and low vision. In the United States, 10% of all blindness is attributed to inadequately treated uveitis. Clinicians can assist their patients by inquiring if vision loss secondary to inflammation is affecting day-to-day functions, such as reading or enjoying leisure activities, and by advising patients about vision rehabilitation resources. Referral to vision rehabilitation is recommended for patients with visual acuity less than 20/40 in the better eye, reduced contrast sensitivity, disabling glare, or central or peripheral visual field loss (see BCSC Section 3, Clinical Optics). The low vision section of the American Academy of Ophthalmology website (www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/low-vision-list) defines low vision and discusses low vision symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, vision aids, and how patients can identify vision rehabilitation resources in their community.
It is particularly important for clinicians to provide parents of children with uveitis information about rehabilitation to optimize functioning at school and in other activities. A useful guide for teachers and parents can be found at www.uveitis.org/patients/education/patient-guides.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 9 - Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.