Low vision devices for age-related macular degeneration: A systematic review

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition impacting central vision. Evaluating the effectiveness of low vision devices provides empirical evidence on how devices can rehabilitate and overcome deficits caused by AMD. This evidence could help to facilitate discussion on necessary future improvements to vision enhancement technology. 

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted on low vision device use in AMD populations. Relevant peer-reviewed research articles from six databases were screened. 

Results: The findings of thirty-five studies revealed a significant positive impact of low vision devices leading to improvements in visual acuity, reading performance, facial recognition, and more. While the studies were found to have moderate risks of bias, a GRADE assessment of the evidence suggested the certainty of the evidence was low-moderate. 

Discussion: Simple hand-held low vision devices (e.g., magnifiers) appear to currently have greater preferential support than newer visual enhancement technology (e.g., head mounted devices). Financial, comfort or usability reasons may influence preferences more than performance-based findings. However, there is a lack of studies examining newer technologies in AMD populations, which future research should address. Moreover, given the presence of bias across the studies and limited controlled experiments, confidence in the results may be low. 

Conclusions: Most studies indicated that low vision devices have positive impacts on reading and visual performance. But, even though they are reported to be a valuable asset to AMD populations, more rigorous research is required to draw conclusive evidence. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Low vision devices can improve patient outcomes (e.g., vision, reading ability) for age-related macular degeneration populations. A multidisciplinary combination of low vision devices and rehabilitative services (i.e., eccentric viewing training, counselling, education) may enhance quality of life.