Impact of eccentric viewing and magnification interventions on the performance of activities of daily living

Abstract Loss of macular vision has been shown to impact on performance of activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to report a clinical evaluation of client perceptions and results of a random control trial of eccentric viewing and magnification interventions on the performance of activities of daily living (ADL). Client perceptions were obtained from a retrospective analysis of post training evaluation questionnaires. A random control design was used to compare the impact of three interventions (eccentric viewing, magnification and combined intervention) on the performance of daily function. Data was analysed using between and within group one-way analysis of variance. Questionnaire data indicated clients perceived eccentric viewing had assisted performance of ADL. Results of the random control study in relation to the dependant variable ADL demonstrated that intervention significantly improved performance. The eccentric viewing intervention demonstrated greater improvement in dynamic activities, e.g. shopping. The magnification intervention demonstrated the greatest improvement in high acuity activities, e.g. coin identification. Eccentric viewing and magnification generally improve the performance of ADL, however each is suited to different types of activity.