[Evaluation and utilization of home visual aids prescribed to the satisfaction of the patients for age-related macular degeneration].

We evaluated the subjective advantage given by optical visual aids to patients affected by Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). A total of 51 patients with ARMD having magnifying visual aids were retrospectively analysed. The 51 patients have been splitted up in 2 groups according to the final macular aspect and 7 subgroups according to their treatment, and have been questioned about the subjective advantage of their optical aids. Out of the 51 patients, 71% were satisfied, 5% were moderately satisfied and 24% were unsatisfied. The group with the lowest visual acuity at 5 meters has a satisfaction percentage only slightly lower (71%) than that with a higher visual acuity (75%). From the patients with a visual acuity superior to 3/10, 58% were affected with a persistence of macular edema. Seventy six percent of the patients with edema and 65% of the patients with a dry macular scar use their low vision aid every day. In summary, an important percentage of the patients are satisfied with their visual aids, independently of the fact that the retina is exsudative or dry, or that the visual acuity is good or bad. It seems useful to propose these optical aids to any patient suffering from ARMD who complains about reading-difficulties.