COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILTERS IN IMPROVING VISUAL FUNCTIONS IN ALBINISM.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out the most effective filter in albinism patient for enhancing their contrast and reducing their glare and to find out the improvement in visual status of albinism patients after their management with filters. Methods: A total of 30 albinism patients were selected and they were checked with three filters amber filter, light grey and medium grey filter which were selected for this study. During data collection three visual functions (visual acuity, contrast and glare) were tested with and without these filters. The study was conducted within three months. Major Outcome: All the three visual functions (visual acuity, contrast and glare) were improved with light grey filter only. Results: In 80% of albinism patients visual acuity was improved with light grey filter. 20% show the same visual acuity but the level of comfort is raised. With light grey filter 20% shows very good contrast and 66.7% show very poor to moderate level of contrast sensitivity. For glare reduction all patients chose the light grey filter, and it shows highly significant results statistically in reduction of glare. Conclusion: Both (ocular albinism OA, and oculocutaneous albinism OCA) shows same ocular effects with these filters because ocular features in both these types are almost same they only differ in severity of their symptoms. Among amber, light grey and mid grey filters all albino patients prefer light grey filter in improving visual acuity, enhancing contrast and reduction in their glare. So effectiveness of light grey filter is much better and significant in albinism than any other filter. Key words: Albinism, Visual Acuity, Glare Sensitivity, Contrast Sensitivity, Filters.