Improved Reading Ability in Low Vision Patients with Simple CCTV

Taweekit Nimvorapun, M.D.
Apatsa Lekskul, M.D.
Rungroj Lerdvitayasakul, M.D.
Ruttanawadee Thongruay, B.Sc.
*Department of Opthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital

ABSTRACT : Objective : To help the low vision patients read a newspaper by simple CCTV.
Methods : Most people with low vision need magnification to read. But reading aids are insufficient because they are too expensive , simple CCTV may solve this problem. We study in 60 low vision patients who volunteer to use simple CCTV to read the smallest print size of newspapers (letters size J5 or 20/50 by near card of Lea Numbers). Three sizes of simple CCTV were used and connected to TV 21’’ screen. We observed their reading ability and satisfaction with simple CCTV.
Result : 59/60 patients can read the smaller print size of newspaper with simple CCTV. The majority of visual impairment patients were very satisfied with simple CCTV #2 (30x), especially in moderate and severe low vision, but in profound low vision and near blindness were satisfied with simple CCTV #3 (50x).
Conclusion : The low vision patients can read the newspaper with simple CCTV. Simple CCTV may help to preserve reading ability and to regain their quality of life, their independence and socialization.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2004 ; January – March 18(1) : 1-9.