Die Entwicklung der Sehhilfenverordnung für Sehbehinderte in den Jahren 1959-1988. Eine retrospektive Studie anhand der Patientenakten der Lupenbrillen-Sprechstunde von Frau Professor Elfriede Aulhorn der Universitäts-Augenklinik Tübingen

Abstract

Background: In the last century, the variety of low vision aids was limited and only few low vision services were available. The University Eye Hospital in Tuebingen, Germany, offered a “magnifier service” run by Professor Elfriede Aulhorn. This study evaluates retrospectively the spectrum and development of visual aids for low vision patients of this service over 3 decades. Methods: The reports of 1927 low vision patients were evaluated through 3 decades (1: 1959-1968, 2: 1969-1978, 3: 1979-1988) regarding patients` history and complaints, visual acuity, magnification need, perimetry, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation measures. Results: Mean age was 51.5 years (SD 25.8, range: 5 months – 101 years). The size of the age group > 65 years increased during the decades.The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration increased from 18.3 % in decade 1 to 24.2% in decade 3. Visual aids were supplied in the 1st decade mostly as Kepler and Galilei systems (55.6%) or magnifying spectacles (36.5%). In the 2nd decade, mostly magnifying spectacles (57%), mostly bifocal ones, were dispensed. During the 3rd decade, the hand-held magnifiers (12,3%) and electronic devices (CCTV monitors) were provided more and more (10.1%). Significance: The increase of age-related eye diseases, the improving technology of optical aids and the availability of the first electronic devices influenced the supply with visual aids over time, along with decreasing percentage of complex telescopic systems and an increasing percentage of magnifying spectacles and electronic devices. This development continued in later decades.