INTERVENTION REVIEWS
Visual rehabilitaton adults
This Cochrane systematic review described the evidence available in the field of low vision rehabilitation and the improvement of vision and health-related quality of life. Related constructs, such as depression, self-confidence and adaptation to the visual impairment were also described. This Meta-analyses shows the effects of low vision interventions on patient-reported outcomes and thereby the current state of affairs.
Visual rehabilitation elderly
Due to the aging population, severe visual impairments in the elderly remain a significant social and socio-economic challenge. Rehabilitation for people with visual impairment leads to improved participation in the elderly. To gain insight into the effectiveness of interventions to increase the participation of elderly people with a visual impairment, we performed an update of previous systematic reviews with a focus on observational study designs and ‘grey’ literature. Potential studies have been identified from relevant databases and information sources. Finally, a science agenda has been drawn up with rehabilitation professionals and target group representatives.
Visual rehabilitation children
Visual impairment in children can lead to developmental delays, limitations in participation and reduced quality of life. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence for different types of interventions that aim to improve skills and behavior in children with visual impairment, and which (in)directly lead to an improvement in participation and quality of life. Relevant articles were searched through literature databases and gray literature. The review focused on (non-)randomized trials and observational intervention studies. Methodological quality was assessed, the effects were summarized in a meta-analysis and sources of heterogeneity were examined.
Guideline visual impairment
In 2004, the Dutch Ophthalmic society (NOG) published the guideline ‘vision disorders: rehabilitation and referral’, which was compiled under the direction of Prof. Ger van Rens. In 2011, an update on this guideline was published by the NOG and translated into English by the WHO under the name: ‘Visual disorders, rehabilitation and referral’, also edited by Prof. Ger van Rens. The NOG recently commissioned another update of the guideline on behalf of the Federation of Medical Specialists, which resulted in a current publication in 2020. The update focuses on what is the best care for patients with visual impairment according to current standards and focused on referral and rehabilitation.
Psychological interventions
This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated psychosocial interventions to improve mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, mental fatigue, loneliness, psychological stress, and psychological well-being) in adults aged 18 years or older with visual impairment. Currently, there is only limited evidence for the effectiveness of such psychosocial interventions. More well-designed studies are needed with a specific focus on interventions tailored to the needs of elderly patients with visual impairment.
Corneal Transplants
This systematic review is about the treatment effect of corneal transplants on patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life and mental health. The possible predictors of a positive patient-reported outcome after corneal transplant surgery were described in 14 included studies. The conclusion of this literature review is that corneal transplants contribute to an improvement in quality of life, but the effect on mental health and participation has only been studied to a limited extent.
REVIEWS IMPACT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Visual impairment and fatigue
In this systematic review, the perceived fatigue of visually impaired patients has been compared to fatigue of good sighted people. This review also looked at a possible association between fatigue and the severity of visual impairment.
Eye disease and sleep disorder
Ongoing research
In this systematic literature research, we looked for studies on sleep disorders in various eye disorders. The prevalence of these sleep disorders for each eye condition was researched in a meta-analysis.
Visual impairment and work
Ongoing research
In this systematic literature review, the relationship between visual impairment and labor participation was investigated, as well as its predictors. Special attention was paid to characteristics of the studies, such as the region where the research took place and it’s timeline.
Glaucoma and cognition
Ongoing research
In this review, systematic research has been done for the effect of glaucoma on cognitive tests, such as memory tests.
Visual impairment and PTSS
Little is known about the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and visual impairment. For this reason, this literature review was conducted in which articles with this theme were described.
REVIEWS PROMs
Participation children with disabilities
In this review, systematic research has been done on studies in which questionnaires have been developed. This concerned specifically questionnaires aimed at measuring participation in children and young people with disabilities. The aim of this review was to critically assess the measurement properties of the questionnaires.
Visual and/or hearing impairment
Ongoing research
In this research, a systematic search has been made for questionnaires that measure the constructs information processing, communication, mobility and energy balance in people who have a visual and/or hearing impairment. The investigated measurement properties of the questionnaires are inventoried.
ICF core-set
Ongoing research
This review has systematically reviewed studies looking at the impact of visual impairment on the lives of adults. The purpose of this review is to link the topics found to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability & Health, as a design for developing a core set for people with visual impairment.
Vision-specific quality of life
In this review, systematic research has been done on studies in which questionnaires have been developed. This concerned specifically questionnaires aimed at measuring vision-related quality of life in adults with a visual impairment. The aim of this review was to critically assess the measurement properties of the questionnaires.
