Prevalence and risk factors for eye diseases, blindness, and low vision in Lhasa, Tibet

AIM: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for eye diseases, blindness, and low vision in Tibet, and to assist the development of eye disease prevention and treatment schemes.METHODS: We carried out a survey of eye diseases among a population living at high altitude. A total of 1 115 Tibetan permanent residents aged 40 years or older from the towns and villages of Qushui County, Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, participated in this study. All participants completed a detailed questio-nnaire, and underwent presenting and pinhole visual acuity tests,and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.RESULTS: There were 187 blind eyes (8.43%), 231 eyes with low vision (10.41% ). The leading cause of visual impairment was cataract of 55.0% (101/187) blindness and of 50.2% (116/231) low vision, followed by fundus lesions of 22.9% blindness and 23.8% low vision, while only a low prevalence of glaucoma of 9.6% blindness and 1.7% low vision was observed. The analysis of 2 219 eyes showed that the most common external eye disease was pterygium (27.2%) in Tibet.CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of blindness and low vision in the Tibetan population at high altitude is a serious public health issue. There is a need to establish and maintain an appropriate effective eye care program in Tibet.

Validity and reliability study of Turkish version on low vision with quality of life questionnaire

AIM:To adapt the low vision-related quality of life(LVQOL) instrument into Turkish language and to assess its validity and reliability.METHODS:The study was conducted in 387 patients attending the Centre of Low Vision Rehabilitation,Faculty of Medicine,Ankara University.For statistical analyses,the Spearman's correlation coefficient,Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA) were used.RESULTS:According to results of CFA,the item in the 'Adjustment' subscale because of having the factor loading below 0.40,was excluded from the questionnaire.The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed according to Cronbach's alpha coefficients.The reliability of the 'Distance Vision,Mobility,and Lighting' subscale was ?琢=0.863;of the 'Adjustment' subscale was ?琢=0.694;'Reading and Fine Work' was ?琢=0.791,and 'Activities of Daily Living' was ?琢= 0.770.So these results indicate that the questionnaire is reliable to measure the vision related quality of life of low-vision patients.The correlations between the subscales were also analyzed,and the correlation between 'Adjustment' and 'Reading and Fine Work' was found to be the lowest(rs=0.336,P <0.001),whereas the strongest correlation was found between the 'Reading and Fine Work',and 'Activities of Daily Living'.Additionally,the 'Adjustment' dimension showed the strongest correlation with only 'Distance Vision,Mobility,and Lighting' dimension.CONCLUSION:After removing the last item in the second dimension,the Turkish adaptation of all dimensions of the LVQOL has been shown to be reliable,valid and suitable for use in patients with low vision in Turkey.

AB097.Barriers and facilitators related to the use of optical low vision aids,a scoping review

Background:In recent decades,several studies have been performed in the field of(non-)use of assistive technology devices(ATs)and have found that many variables are likely to be involved in the decision-making process of whether a person with a disability uses or abandons their aids.In low vision rehabilitation,high variability rates and a variety of reasons for non-use of low vision aids has been reported.Determinants of non-use of ATs have previously been categorized into personal factors,ATs factors,environmental factors of the user,and intervention factors.It is probable that some of these factors are also associated with the use of optical low vision aids(OLVAs).Thus,using a framework about adherence with medical interventions,the aim of this scoping review was to explore barriers and facilitators related to OLVAs(non-)use.Methods:Existing guidelines of the scoping review Methods were used to examine and summarize the extent,range,and nature of findings regarding factor categories associated to OLVAs usage.Searches were conducted using the following online databases:Embase,MedLine,and ERIC without limitation on publication dates.A combination of key words and MeSH terms was used based upon the identified core concepts of the research question:(I)low vision;(II)assistive technology;and(III)adherence.A charting form,a flow chart of the study selection process,and a combination of a descriptive numerical analysis and a thematic analysis of 24 studies were performed.Results:The results of this review indicate high variability rates(range:13-50%,M=24%,SD=10%)of people possessing OLVAs but not using them.Most authors do not use a precise definition of“non-use”,and when a definition is provided,the terminology is inconsistent.As expected,the four categories of variables identified are likely to be involved in OLVAs’(non-)use:(I)the largest number of concerns were personal factors.Several aspects regarding personal characteristics were identified,such as demographic,physical,psychological,social-emotional,and occupational factors.Some variables,such as age,diagnosis and visual acuity were reported as contradictorily influencing the OLVAs’usage;(II)ATs factors were associated with quality,appearance,practical aspects of use and the very type of OLVAs;(III)environmental factors referred to social support,physical barriers,expectations of the social environment,presence of a helper,and stigmatization;(IV)finally,intervention factors consisted of taking into account user’s opinions,positive health care experiences,instruction and training,provision processes,delivery periods,and follow-up services.Conclusions:This scoping review provides the preliminary evidence that factors related to OLVAs non-use could be classified into the same four typical categories described in the theory of non-adherence.These results suggest that strategies intended to enhance adherence might be for OLVAs should focus on these four aspects of device use.

Prevalence of Charles Bonnet syndrome in low vision:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Charles Bonnet syndrome(CBS)is characterized by vivid lifelike visual hallucinations and is typically seen in individuals with visual impairment.In this systematic review,we summarize current knowledge on the prevalence of CBS in patients with low vision.Methods:We searched 11 literature databases on 21 April 2021 for studies on the prevalence of CBS in low vision populations.Our protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database(reg.No.CRD42021255021).Eligible studies were defined as those on a population of low vision patients wherein the prevalence of CBS was evaluated(without any further restriction on the method for diagnosis of CBS).No restriction was enforced on study design,but we expected observational cross-sectional studies due to the nature of our research question.Two authors independently extracted data and evaluated risk of bias of individual studies using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality checklist for cross-sectional studies.Studies underwent qualitative review in the text and quantitatively in a prevalence meta-analysis using the random-effects model.Sensitivity analysis was made to evaluate the robustness of the summary estimate.Results:We identified 11 studies,which summarized data on 4,521 individuals with visual impairment.Diagnosis of CBS was based on screening questions or interviews,which in positive cases often was explored in more detail with follow-up questions or interviews.Most studies either had normal mental state as a participant eligibility criterion or as a part of the diagnosis of CBS.The pooled prevalence of CBS in low vision patients aged≥40 years was 19.7%(95%CI:13.8%to 26.4%).The sensitivity analysis showed certain robustness in the summary prevalence estimate wherein prevalence estimates ranged from 16.9%to 22.5%.Conclusions:CBS is a prevalent condition in patients with low vision at a rate of approximately one in five patients.Considering that an estimated 239 million individuals have moderate visual impairment or worse,we estimate a global number of patients with CBS at approximately 47.2 million.

Responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference of the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire after cataract surgery

AIM: To investigate the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire(CLVQOL) as an instrument for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery.METHODS: Patients underwent cataract surgery in Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who fit the inclusion criteria were recruited. Two CLVQOLs were administered, including a preoperative CLVQOL and a CLVQOL at the end of the 3 mo follow-up period, and were completed using face-to-face interviews or phone interviews conducted by trained investigators. The minimal clinically important difference(MCID) was calculated using an anchor-based method and a distribution method. In addition, the responsiveness of the questionnaire was measured.RESULTS: A total of 155 residents were enrolled. The average visual acuity(VA) preoperatively was 0.08(SD=0.05), and it increased to 0.47(SD=0.28) at the end of followup. Statistically significant positive changes in the CLVQOL scores indicated significant improvement of vision related quality of life after cataract surgery. With the larger value between the two results as the final value, the MCID values of the CLVQOL(scores of the four scales as well as the total score) were 8.94, 2.61, 4.34, 3.10 and 17.63, respectively. The CLVQOL has both good internal and external responsiveness.CONCLUSION: CLVQOL scores are appropriate instruments for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery. This study is an effective exploration for establishingcataract surgery efficacy standards, which helps clinical and scientific research workers in ophthalmology to gain a more in-depth understanding when using CLVQOL.

VISUAL REHABILITATION IN LOW VISION PATIENTS WITH AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Using optical visual aids, visual rehabilitation was performed in 14 low vision patients(25 eyes) with age-related macular degeneration. With distance aids, visual acuity improvement appeared in 24 eyes(95%) out of the 25 eyes. Twelve eyes(48%) obtained a visual acuity equal to or better than 0.4. With near visual aids, near acuity of all eyes(100%) was improved. Thirteen eyes(52%) got the near vision equal to or better than 0.5. Ten patients could read No.5 Chinese Reading Card. The reading success rat...

The Contrast Sensitivity Function in Low Vision

The contrast sensitivity of 51 low vision patients (95 eyes) showed a substantial decrease in all spatial frequencies. The peak contrast sensitivity was shifted to 1 C/D from the normal 3-4 C/D. The high-frequency cut off is correlated to the visual acuity positively. Of the 33 patients, the preferred eye was the eye with better peak sensitivity in 28 patients (84%), while the preferred eye was the eye with better visual acuity in 22 patients (66%). It seems that the peak sensitivity is more important t...

Quantitative Evaluation of Flicker ERG Waveforms in Low Vision Patients

Flicker electroretinograms(FERGs)of 30Hz were recorded for 46eyes(23 cases)of low vision,including 38 eyes with retinal diseases and 8eyes with optic neuropathy,and for 39 normal eyes(33 cases).The recordedwave forms were analysed by two methods:(1)to measure the peak to peakamplitude and pseudophase directly,and(2)to measure the amplitude andphase of fundamental response component(30Hz)by discrete Fourier trans-form(DFT).The abnormality ratios between these two methods were com-pared in low vision pati...

Functional outcome of the low vision aids for visual impairment secondary to central nervous system tumors in children

To assess functional outcomes of optical low vision aids(LVAs) for pediatric visual impairment due to central nervous system(CNS) tumors. A prospective case study was conducted on 15 children with history of CNS tumors with mean age of 10.47±1.85 y. Lighthouse distance, near visual acuity tests, cycloplegic refraction, reading speed measurement and visual field examination were done. Prescription of far and near LVAs followed by training sessions. LVPrasad-functional vision questionnaire was done to evaluate performance. Visual impairment was moderate(13.3%), severe(73.3%), profound(6.7%) and near blindness in 6.7%. Telescopes prescribed in 33.4%, video magnifier in 46.7%. Questionnaire scores were significantly improved for distant rather than near tasks(P≤0.05) after training. LVAs rehabilitation is an effective method of improving vision in pediatric visual defects secondary to CNS tumors.

Low Vision Assessment: Complications from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints of children and is associated with ocular complications, like uveitis and cataract. Patients with such complications can benefit from a low vision assessment to improve their functionality and their quality of life. In this case study, the importance of early detection and management of ocular complications of JRA, as well as visual rehabilitation through a low vision assessment, are highlighted and discussed. Case Presentation: A 12-year-old female of East Indian descent presented to the Low Vision Center of the University of the West Indies Optometry Eye Unit, bilaterally aphakic (absence of crystalline lens) as a result of complications she developed secondary to a systemic condition diagnosed as JRA. She presented with a distance visual acuity of 2.30 logMAR in the RE, and 1.64 logMAR in the LE, at near she was able to read 8.0 M and 3.2 M at a distance of 8 cm for RE & LE respectively. She has a history of ocular disorder secondary to JRA such as cataract, uveitis, upon low vision assessment a new spectacle prescription and an illuminated stand magnifier of 8D was issued, the patient was satisfied with the outcome of the treatment, management and low vision device issued. Conclusion: At the end of the low vision assessment, the patient was extremely satisfied and looked forward to the prospect of returning to school. Although JRA can have severe ocular complications, with the correct management, a patient’s quality of life can be dramatically improved thus stressing the importance of these types of visual assessments.

Profile of Low Vision Patients in a Resource-Poor Underserved Setting of a Developing Country

Objectives: To identify causes of low vision among the patients in the Eye clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of all new consecutive low vision patients seen at the eye clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital-(UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla. All patients with low vision were evaluated by the researcher and the findings entered on a research protocol. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to generate frequency and percentage distributions and analytical statistics to test for significance of observed inter-group differences. In all comparisons, statistical significance was indicated by p < 0.05. Results: A total of 197 patients were seen comprising of 120 males and 77 females (M:F = 1.6:1) aged 39.3 ± 22.9 SD years. The main causes of low vision in the study population were glaucoma (36.0%), followed by oculocutaneous albinism (14.7%). The mean presenting distant VA was logMAR 1.1 (95% CI), while the mean near VA is logMar 1.0 (6/60, 20/200). After refraction, the mean distant VA was logMar 1.0, using unpaired t-test, the difference between the distant presenting and refracted VA were not statistically significant. 57.9% had distant VA after optical low vision assessment of logMar 0.9 - logMar - 0.2 while the mean distant VA was logMar 0.8 which was statistically significant. Near vision after optical assessment improved with a mean of logMar 0.8, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Glaucoma was the commonest cause of low vision in this study. Optical low vision aids improved the visual functions of majority of the patients in this study.

Introduction of a digital near-vision reading test for normal and low vision adults:development and validation

Background:MNREAD is an advanced near-vision acuity chart that has already been translated and validated in Greek language.Considering that no validated Greek digital near-vision test exists,our primary objective was to develop and validate a digital near-vision reading test based on the fundamental properties of the Greek printed MNREAD(MNREAD-GR).Methods:This is a prospective,comparative study.A digital near-vision chart was developed(Democritus Digital Acuity Reading Test-DDART)with text size calibration,audio recording for automatic reading timing,as well as automatic calculation of reading acuity(RA),maximum reading speed(MRS),critical print size(CPS)and reading accessibility index(ACC).Normal and low vision subjects participated in the validation process,responding to MNREAD-GR and DDART at the same day,at a 40 cm viewing distance.Differences in all parameters between the charts were compared with t-test and intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs).Within 15 days,all participants responded again to DDART in a different set of sentences to assess its test-retest reliability.Results:One hundred patients(normal vision group-NVG:70 patients;low vision group-LVG:30 patients)responded to both reading tests.Non-significant differences were detected for all parameters between DDART and MNREAD-GR except for MRS and ACC that were significantly higher in MNREAD-GR in NVG(p<0.01).NVG participants demonstrated sufficient ICCs that ranged from 0.854 to 0.963,while LVG demonstrated ICCs for RA,ACC,MRS and CPS equal to 0.986,0.894,0.794 and 0.723,respectively.All parameters calculated with DDART demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability(ICCs:0.903-0.956).Conclusions:The proposed reading test presented comparable validity and repeatability to MNREAD-GR suggesting that it can be used both in normal and low vision Greek patients.

Blind parameter estimation of pseudo-random binary code-linear frequency modulation signal based on Duffing oscillator at low SNR

Conventional parameter estimation methods for pseudo-random binary code-linear frequency modulation(PRBC-LFM)signals require prior knowledge,are computationally complex,and exhibit poor performance at low signal-to-noise ratios(SNRs).To overcome these problems,a blind parameter estimation method based on a Duffing oscillator array is proposed.A new relationship formula among the state of the Duffing oscillator,the pseudo-random sequence of the PRBC-LFM signal,and the frequency difference between the PRBC-LFM signal and the periodic driving force signal of the Duffing oscillator is derived,providing the theoretical basis for blind parameter estimation.Methods based on amplitude method,short-time Fourier transform method,and power spectrum entropy method are used to binarize the output of the Duffing oscillator array,and their performance is compared.The pseudo-random sequence is estimated using Duffing oscillator array synchronization,and the carrier frequency parameters are obtained by the relational expressions and characteristics of the difference frequency.Simulation results show that this blind estimation method overcomes limitations in prior knowledge and maintains good parameter estimation performance up to an SNR of-35 dB.

AB034. Knowledge and understanding of eye disease among older adults with vision impairment

Background:By 2026,projections indicate that 1/5 Canadians will be over the age of 65.This shift in demographics will be accompanied by an increase in age-related eye disease.Survey studies have reported vision loss as a major medical concern among older adults,but there is little information on older adults’awareness and knowledge of age-related eye diseases.A lack of knowledge can lead to missed or delayed treatment and/or lifestyle modification.This study aims to assess the knowledge and understanding older adults have of their own eye disease and its prognosis.Methods:Participants over the age of 50 with a visual impairment were recruited from the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre,the Low Vision Self-Help Association(LVSHA)of the West Island and through word of mouth.Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured using the ETDRS charts and Mars Charts,respectively.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was used to take cross-sectional images of participant retinas.Participants were asked to name their visual diagnoses and describe them in their own words.Participant diagnoses were compared to diagnoses determined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.Results:To date,this study has recruited 26 participants(7M,19F)over the age of 50 years(range,51-95 years).Many participants(73%)were able to name their visual diagnoses,articulate their symptoms,and discuss their treatment and prognosis.The majority of these individuals(67%)were clients of the MAB-Mackay or participants in the LVSHA.Of the 27%(4M,4F)who were unclear or had misunderstood their diagnoses,half were participants in a low vision support group,but they had multiple visual diagnoses and it was the congenital or trauma-related visual impairments acquired before joining the MAB-Mackay or LVSHA that remained unclear.The other 4 individuals who misunderstood their diagnoses were not involved with any low vision or rehabilitation organizations.Conclusions:Visual impairment is sometimes dismissed as part of aging.A lack of awareness and knowledge can lead to missed or delayed treatment and/or lifestyle modifications.The preliminary results of this study demonstrate the important role organizations like the MAB-Mackay and LVSHA play in education and adaptation to low vision for older adults.Individuals with a better understanding of their own diagnoses are more likely to follow through with doctor-recommendations and have successful treatment or slowed progression.

Reversibility of visual field defects through induction of brain plasticity: vision restoration, recovery and rehabilitation using alternating current stimulation

For decades visual field defects were considered irreversible because it was thought that in the visual system the regeneration potential of the neuronal tissues is low.Nevertheless,there is always some potential for partial recovery of the visual field defect that can be achieved through induction of neuroplasticity.Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change its own functional architecture by modulating synaptic efficacy.It is maintained throughout life and just as neurological rehabilitation can improve motor coordination,visual field defects in glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy or optic neuropathy can be improved by inducing neuroplasticity.In ophthalmology many new treatment paradigms have been tested that can induce neuroplastic changes,including non-invasive alternating current stimulation.Treatment with alternating current stimulation(e.g.,30 minutes,daily for 10 days using transorbital electrodes and^10 Hz)activates the entire retina and parts of the brain.Electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed local activation of the visual cortex,global reorganization of functional brain networks,and enhanced blood flow,which together activate neurons and their networks.The future of low vision is optimistic because vision loss is indeed,partially reversible.

AB100.Screening for vision and hearing loss in patients with dementia:recommendations from interviews with sensory experts

Background:Dementia is a syndrome that affects a person’s ability to understand and express information.The higher prevalence of vision and/or hearing losses among persons with dementia in long-term care(LTC)facilities interferes with the ability of nurses to provide optimal care because communication is compromised.Therefore,the detection and screening for sensory impairment is of the utmost importance in LTC facilities;however,there is currently no agreement among nursing professionals on how to best identify such losses for the purpose of further referral,and the need for a validated screening measure suitable for nurses in LTC facilities is clear.The present project aims to close this gap by investigating the screening recommendations of vision-and hearing-care professionals working with clients affected by dementia.Methods:Eleven experts in audiology,optometry,deafblindness,and technology participated in individual semi-structured interviews on the topic of tools and strategies that can be used to screen individuals with dementia for sensory loss.Interview transcripts were coded by two evaluators using verbal agreement and consensus building.Results:Three main themes emerged from the interviews with experts:barriers,facilitators,and strategies.Barriers to sensory screening were often mentioned,particularly impaired communication and lack of staff cooperation.Facilitators consisted uniquely of people,such as family members,intervenors,and nurses.Strategies for sensory screening in this population consisted of improving communication through repetition and encouragements;considerations based on familiarity;and inferring an impairment on the basis of patient behaviour.Few of our interviewees were knowledgeable on the topic of screening apps.Conclusions:Our findings,to be integrated with a similar environmental scan conducted among LTC nurses,can inform the administration of sensory impairment screening tests among a population with dementia in order to optimize care.

Prevalences and causes of vision impairment in elderly Chinese: a socioeconomic perspective of a comparative report nested in Jiangsu Eye Study

AIM：To survey the prevalence and causes of visual impairment/blindness among elderly Chinese from different socioeconomic status in community-based design.METHODS：Cluster-sampling randomly selected residents from Binhu and Funing District,two areas representing different socioeconomic levels in China with Binhu in an advanced status and Funing in lessdeveloped area.The participants subjected to ophthalmic examination.The presenting visual acuity（PVA） and best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA） were recorded.Visual impairment and blindness were defined according to World Health Organization criteria.The causes of visual impairment/blindness were identified by ophthalmic examination and/or questionnaire.The socioeconomic status included the per capita gross domestic product,numbers of hospital with ophthalmic service and the number of ophthalmologists per 1 million residents.RESULTS：We successfully included 12 867 participants form 2 areas in this study.The prevalence of PVA impairment（〈20/63 to ≥20/400） in the better eye was 5.4% in Binhu and 23.6% in Funing,while the prevalence of blindness（〈20/400） was 0.9% in Binhu and 2.3% in Funing.With BCVA,the prevalence of visual impairment was 2.4% in Binhu and 6.4% in Funing,while the prevalence of blindness was 0.8% in Binhu and 1.6% in Funing.The participants with older age and female gender had higher prevalence in visual impairment and blindness.The highest prevalences of vision impairment and blindness evaluated by BCVA at 〉80y age group reached 20.4% and 6.3% respectively.The prevalences of vision impairment and blindness evaluated by BCVA were 3.5% and 1.0% in male and 5.0% and 1.3% in female.The above differences were statistically significant（P〈0.05）.The predominant causes of visual impairment and blindness were cataract,retinal disorders and uncorrected refractive error in both areas.The socioeconomic status was associated with visual impairment and blindness.CONCLUSION：This community-based study build a sufficient sample size for an ophthalmic survey.Our data show the disparities on socioeconomic development and genders in visual impairment and blindness in China.Special emphasis of ophthalmic service should be placed on females and less-developed area.

Visual impairment and depression: Age-specific prevalence, associations with vision loss, and relation to life satisfaction

BACKGROUND To our knowledge,no study has obtained specific estimates of depression for young and middle-aged adults with visual impairment(VI).As estimates of depression varies across age groups in the general population,it is of interest to examine whether the same applies to adults with low vision or blindness.AIM To estimate depression prevalence and its association with VI-related characteristics and life satisfaction in adults with VI.METHODS A telephone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2017 in an age-stratified sample of adults who were members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted.Participants were asked questions about their sociodemographic characteristics,VI characteristics,and life satisfaction.Depression was measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire.The diagnostic scoring algorithm was used to calculate the point prevalence of depression(i.e.,major depression and other depressive disorders)across categories of gender and age(years:18-35,36-50,51-65,≥66).The associations were estimated using regression models.RESULTS Overall,736 adults participated in the study(response rate:61%).The prevalence estimates of depression varied across different age groups,ranging from 11.1%-22.8%in women and 9.4%-16.5%in men,with the highest rates for the two youngest age groups.Results from the multivariable models including sociodemographic and VI-related variables showed that losing vision late in life[Prevalence ratio(PR),1.76,95%CI:1.11,2.79]and having other impairments(PR:1.88,95%CI:1.32,2.67)were associated with higher rates of depression,whereas older age was associated with lower rates(PR:0.83,95%CI:0.74,0.93).Additionally,participants who were depressed had lower life satisfaction than those who were not depressed(adjustedβ:-2.36,95%CI:-2.75,-1.98).CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that depression in adults with VI,and especially among young and middle-aged adults,warrants greater attention by user organisations,clinicians,and healthcare authorities.

Science Letters:Blind spot detection using vision for automotive applications

This paper describes a vision-based system for blind spot detection (BSD) in intelligent vehicle applications. A camera is mounted in the lateral mirror of a car with the intention of visually detecting cars that are located in the so-called blind spot and cannot be perceived by the vehicle driver. The detection of cars in the blind spot is carried out using computer vision techniques, based on optical flow and a double-stage data clustering technique for robust vehicle detection.

Effect of vision loss on plasticity of the head and neck proprioception

AIM:To investigate whether head and neck proprioception and motor control could be compensatory enhanced by long-term vision loss or impairment.METHODS:Individuals who were blind,low vision or sighted were included in the study,which would undergo the head repositioning test(HRT).The constant error(CE),absolute error(AE),variable error(VE)and root mean square error(RMSE)of each subject were statistically analyzed.Data were analyzed using the SAS 9.4.Tukey-Kramer for one-way ANOVA was used for comparison of blind,low vision,and sighted subjects,as well as to compare subjects with balanced vision,strong vision in the left eye and strong vision in the right eye.Independent sample t-test was used to compare subjects with congenital blindness and acquired blindness,as well as left and right hand dominance subjects.RESULTS:A total of 90 individuals(25 blind subjects,31 low vision subjects,and 34 sighted subjects)were included in the study.Among the blind subjects,14 cases had congenital blindness and 11 cases had acquired blindness.Among the blind and low vision subjects,21 cases had balanced binocular vision,17 cases had strong vision in the left eye and 18 cases had strong vision in the right eye.Among all subjects,11 cases were left hand dominance,and 79 cases were right hand dominance.There were significant differences in AE,VE,and RMSE in head rotation between blind,low vision,and sighted subjects(P<0.01),in AE,VE,and RMSE between blind and sighted(P<0.01),and in VE and RMSE between low vision and sighted(P<0.05).No significant difference between blind and low vision(P>0.05).Significant differences in CE and AE of head right rotation and CE of general head rotation between congenital and acquired(P<0.05).No significant differences between left and right hand dominance and in balance or not of binocular vision(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:Long-term vision loss or impairment does not lead to compensatory enhancement of head and neck proprioception and motor control.Acquired experience contributes to HRT performance in the blind and has long-lasting effects on plasticity in the development of proprioception and sensorimotor control.