Name of the Procedure:

Visual Functional Status Assessed (EC)

Summary

This procedure involves the evaluation of a patient's visual functional status using various assessment tools. It helps determine how effectively a person uses their vision in daily activities and identifies any functional impairments in vision.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem: Evaluation of visual function deficiencies that could affect daily life.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To assess the functional aspects of vision and provide insights into potential visual impairments, ensuring appropriate interventions or treatments can be devised.

Indications

• Persistent difficulty in performing daily tasks requiring vision (e.g., reading, driving)
• Symptoms of blurry vision, double vision, or reduced visual acuity
• Complaints of visual discomfort or strain
• Diagnosed eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
• Patients with systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes) that may affect vision

Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Patients should bring their current prescription glasses or contact lenses.
• Inform the healthcare provider about any existing eye conditions or surgeries.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: Patient history is reviewed, and visual symptoms are discussed.
2. Visual Acuity Test: Standard eye chart tests to measure sharpness of vision.
3. Contrast Sensitivity Test: Evaluates the ability to distinguish objects from their background.
4. Visual Field Test: Assesses peripheral vision.
5. Functional Vision Screening: Tasks such as reading or distinguishing colors in various lighting conditions.
6. Special Equipment: May include eye charts, contrast sensitivity test charts, automated perimeters, and other optical tools.

No anesthesia or sedation is required as this is a non-invasive procedure.

Duration

Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the complexity of the assessments required.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or an optometrist/ophthalmologist's office.

Personnel

• Optometrist or Ophthalmologist
• Vision therapists or clinical assistants

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minimal risks; mostly related to slight discomfort or fatigue during prolonged testing.
• Rare Risks: Potential misinterpretation of results due to patient fatigue or lack of cooperation.

Benefits

• Provides a comprehensive understanding of a patient's visual abilities.
• Helps in diagnosing and managing visual impairments.
• Can lead to improved quality of life through targeted treatments or interventions.
• Results are typically available immediately after the assessment.

Recovery

• No recovery time needed as it is a non-invasive assessment.
• Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled if further investigations or treatments are needed.

Alternatives

• Routine eye examination without functional assessment, which might not provide comprehensive information on functional vision status.
• Self-administered vision tests, which may lack professional accuracy.
• Referral to a specialist in vision therapy or low vision for further assessment if needed.

Patient Experience

• The patient might experience short-term eye strain or fatigue.
• The procedure is generally painless and comfortable.
• Special measures are taken to ensure the patient's comfort, and breaks can be provided if needed.