Research reported in the November online issue of JAMA Ophthalmology addresses the question of why patients often notice a big difference between their vision at home and their results on clinical testing. Results from the test charts was found to be up to three lines better in the clinic.
126 patients were recruited and studied at the Glaucoma and Comprehensive Eye Clinics at Washington University, St Louis, Missouri. The subjects, ages 55 to 90 years, were examined for visual acuity and contrast sensitivity under various lighting conditions in the clinic and at home.
Lighting was found to be the most significant factor associated with better vision in the clinic, with differences mainly caused by poor home lighting. It is hoped that these results may initiate clinician-patient discussions to optimize home lighting and improve the vision of older adults in their homes.
Read the abstract
Information about home lighting
