Guideline development for the evaluation of visual impairment in Korea.

Abstract

This guideline is developed to provide criteria for evaluating permanent impairment of the visual system as it affects an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living. This new assessment system is based on the 5th and 6th edition of American Medical Association and McBride impairment assessment system but revised on the consideration of Korean culture and simple application. This evaluation of impairment is based on an assessment of visual acuity and visual field. Especially it weighs binocular vision and binocular visual fields and the binocular vision and binocular visual fields provide 50% of weight and the right and left eye each contribute 25%. A further adjustment of the impairment rating is included at the final step of this evaluation. Functional deficits for individual adjustments include diplopia, problem of accommodation, abnormality of eyelids, tearing, cosmetic problems from cornea opacity, glare, aphakia, and dark-adaptation. The adjustment can be added to impairment rating up to 15%. Further study is necessary to revise and update of this disability evaluation that have potential problems in actual application.

• Authors: Hee Seung Chin, Song Hee Park, In Ki Park, Ji Won Kwon, Soo Jeong Lee, Steering Committee of Korean Guides for Impairment Rating in Korean Academy of Medical Sciences
• Journal: Journal of Korean medical science (J Korean Med Sci) Vol. 24 Suppl 2 Issue Suppl 2 Pg. S252-7 (May 2009) ISSN: 1598-6357 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 19503681 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Practice Guideline)

Topics

• Disability Evaluation
• Humans
• Korea
• Program Development
• Vision Disorders (classification, diagnosis)
• Visual Acuity
• Visual Fields