PURPOSE: The proposal of this study is to test and to validate as the effectiveness and efficiency in a series of cases the prototype of a national equipment of magnification to reading. METHODS: A recently developed of equipment of magnification (patent pending Brazilian Institutte of Industrial Property # 020050145260) was tested in a group of 30 patients (age range 9 to 80 years, 17 males). A portable apparatus was developed with a system of capture of images coupled with a 5,6 inch monitor, providing an increase of 15 X. The effectiveness of the visual acuity and the reading efficiency were analyzed after the use of the proposed prototype. RESULTS: Six patients (20%) presented AV 8M, 12 patients (40%) presented AV 6,0M, 7 patients (23.3%) presented AV 5M, 5 patients (16.7%) presented 4M. The average of visual acuity before the utilization of SPR measured by LHNV-1 logMAR chart was 5,75M. After the use of LHNV-1 logMAR chart, 100% (one hundred percent) of the patients reached the efficacy of AV J1. CONCLUSION: The prototype of SPR is an alternative resource in the social inclusion process of low vision patients with different levels of visual residue. It demonstrates psychological incentive, allows comfort, mobility and independence to those who need a more extended lecture and more distance of work.
Low vision; Equipment design; Biomedical engineering; Reading; Quality of life; Brazil
