Optical aids for low vision: use of the Internet to guide teachers of the visually impaired

Purposes: To describe and interpret teachers' opinions about and responsiveness to guidance on optical aids for low vision. Methods: It was conducted a cross-sectional analytical study. The convenience, non-random sample consisted of 58 teachers from the public school network of the city of Campinas. It was constructed and applied a structured questionnaire, available online at the assessed website. For qualitative data collection it was conducted an exploratory study using the focus group technique. Results: Responses expressed, for the most part, a marked interest in the website, its easiness of access, and the comprehensive nature of the information provided. Most people reported frequent use of the Internet to seek information, and found it easier to access the Internet at home. Among the qualitative aspects of the evaluation, we should mention the perceived importance of the website as a source of information, despite some criticism about the accessibility and reliability of the information found on the Internet. Conclusion: Teachers' need for training to deal with visually impaired students and their positive response to advice and information lead to the conclusion that web-based guidelines on the use of optical aids were considered beneficial to ease the understanding of visual impairment and the rehabilitation of the affected subjects.75316616

Time series analysis of age related cataract hospitalizations and phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND: Cataract surgery remains a commonly performed elective surgical procedure in the aging and the elderly. The purpose of this study was to utilize time series methodology to determine the temporal and seasonal variations and the strength of the seasonality in age-related (senile) cataract hospitalizations and phacoemulsification surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional time series analysis was used to assess the presence and strength of seasonal and temporal patterns of age-related cataract hospitalizations and phacoemulsification surgeries from April 1, 1991 to March 31, 2002. Hospital admission rates for senile cataract (n = 70,281) and phacoemulsification (n = 556,431) were examined to determine monthly rates of hospitalization per 100,000 population. Time series methodology was then applied to the monthly aggregates. RESULTS: During the study period, age-related cataract hospitalizations in Ontario have declined from approximately 40 per 100,000 to only one per 100,000. Meanwhile, the use of phacoemulsification procedures has risen dramatically. The study found evidence of biannual peaks in both procedures during the spring and autumn months, and summer and winter troughs. Statistical analysis revealed significant overall seasonal patterns for both age-related cataract hospitalizations and phacoemulsifications (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the decline in age-related cataract hospitalizations in Ontario resulting from the shift to outpatient phacoemulsification surgery, and demonstrates the presence of biannual peaks (a characteristic indicative of seasonality), in hospitalization and phacoemulsification during the spring and autumn throughout the study period

Refractive errors and cataract as causes of visual impairment in Brazil

PURPOSE To identify the main causes of visual impairment (VA less than or equal to 0.2) within the population over 50 years of age examined in 'Cataract Free Zone' projects sponsored by the University of Campinas from 1986 to 1995. METHODS A retrospective review of the ophthalmic forms used for 60,404 patients examined in 74 Cataract Projects was performed. Through mass media information, adults of the target region or city were asked to self-test their vision. Patients with VA! 0.2 in the better eye were to come to a visual acuity test. Using Snellen charts, visual acuity testing was done by trained auxiliaries and medical students. The positive cases were then examined by ophthalmologists Criteria were established for the classification of the diagnoses and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS After the self-test of visual acuity, 60,404 patients came to have their visual acuity tested; 11,462 (18.97%) cases were considered positive and were submitted to complete eye examination; 5447 (42.7%) received spectacles for vision improvement, and 2704 (23.59%) had cataract surgery done. Other important causes of visual impairment were senile macular degeneration (5.4%) and glaucoma (4.02%). CONCLUSION The main causes of visual impairment were noncorrected refractive errors and senile cataract. Ophthalmic community-based campaigns to serve the older population are recommended in order to detect and treat the identified cases and to indicate possible changes in the health care system.101152