Do tinted lenses or filters improve visual performance in low vision? A review of the literature

Abstract

This is a review of studies that have investigated the proposed rehabilitative benefit of tinted lenses and filters for people with low vision. Currently, eye care practitioners have to rely on marketing literature and anecdotal reports from users when making recommendations for tinted lens or filter use in low vision. Our main aim was to locate a prescribing protocol that was scientifically based and could assist low vision specialists with tinted lens prescribing decisions. We also wanted to determine if previous work had found any tinted lens/task or tinted lens/ocular condition relationships, i.e. were certain tints or filters of use for specific tasks or for specific eye conditions. Another aim was to provide a review of previous research in order to stimulate new work using modern experimental designs. Past studies of tinted lenses and low vision have assessed effects on visual acuity (VA), grating acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), visual field, adaptation time, glare, photophobia and TV viewing. Objective and subjective outcome measures have been used. However, very little objective evidence has been provided to support anecdotal reports of improvements in visual performance. Many studies are flawed in that they lack controls for investigator bias, and placebo, learning and fatigue effects. Therefore, the use of tinted lenses in low vision remains controversial and eye care practitioners will have to continue to rely on anecdotal evidence to assist them in their prescribing decisions. Suggestions for future research, avoiding some of these experimental shortcomings, are made. © 2002 The College of Optometrists.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1475-1313.2002.00004.x
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry & Vision Science Research Group (OVSRG)
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Vision, Hearing and Language
Additional Information: © 2002 The College of Optometrists. Published by Wiley-Blackwell.
Uncontrolled Keywords: adaptation,age-related macular degeneration,colour vision,contrast sensitivity,filters,glare,low vision,photophobia,rehabilitation,retinitis pigmentosa,tinted lenses,visual acuity,visual field,Ophthalmology,Sensory Systems,Health Professions(all)
Publication ISSN: 1475-1313
Last Modified: 21 Mar 2024 08:08
Date Deposited: 16 Mar 2010 14:36
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
https://onlinel ... 13.2002.00004.x (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2002-01-12
Authors: Eperjesi, Frank (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-4358-0095)
Fowler, Colin W.
Evans, B.J.W.

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