A retrospective study of causes of visual impairment and use of low vision devices in the low vision clinic in Trinidad and Tobago

There are only a few studies that have investigated the causes of visual impairment and low vision from the Caribbean region. In this retrospective study of 222 cases that attended the low vision clinic in Trinidad and Tobago, we report glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy as the main causes of both legal blindness and low vision.(Figure 1) A total of 193 low vision devices were dispensed with the majority (154) being near vision devices. These devices improved both near and distance visual acuity among the participants.

This is the first study to evaluate the causes of low vision in Trinidad and Tobago. The results show the need of better management of glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy in the country to reduce the burden of visual impairment due to these conditions.

Figure 1: Primary causes of low vision