Task performance with the Low Vision Enhancement System (LVES)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate task performance with the Low Vision Enhancement System (LVES) in patients with central scotoma with regard to daily living activities such as reading, writing, and mobility as well as contrast sensitivity. Patients and Methods: Seventeen patients (aged 17-85 years, mean 49 ± 21) were examined with the LVES, a head-mounted opto-electronic visual aid that provides focus at various distances, a magnification from 1.5 to 12 times, and contrast enhancement. First, visual acuity and magnification need were determined without the device. Then, after individual adjustment of the LVES, the performance of different tasks was evaluated using the system, and assessments were made in a semiquantitative manner. Contrast sensitivity was measured using Pelli-Robson charts with and without the contrast enhancement function of the LVES. Results: Reading was fluent without mistakes in 10 patients, hesitating without mistakes in three, and struggling with mistakes in one. Three patients were unable to r...