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Gaming to improve vision: 21st century self‐monitoring for patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Author(s) -
Razavi Hessom,
Baglin Elizabeth,
Sharangan Pyrawy,
Caruso Emily,
Tindill Nicole,
Griffin Susan,
Guymer Robyn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/ceo.13097
Subject(s) - macular degeneration , medicine , chart , cohort , visual acuity , optometry , descriptive statistics , ophthalmology , statistics , mathematics
Importance Improved vision self‐monitoring tools are required for people at risk of neovascular complications from age related macular degeneration (AMD). Background to report the self‐monitoring habits of participants with intermediate AMD using the Amsler grid chart, and the use of personal electronic devices and gameplay in this over 50 year old cohort. Design single‐centre descriptive study carried out at the Centre for Eye Research (CERA), Melbourne, Australia. Participants 140 participants over 50 years of age, with a diagnosis of intermediate AMD and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ≥6/12 in each eye. Methods structured questionnaire survey of participants who were enrolled in natural history of AMD studies at CERA. Main outcome measures frequency of vision self‐monitoring using the Amsler grid chart, and frequency of general use of personal electronic devices and gameplay. Results Of 140 participants with mean age of 70.5 years, 83.6% used an Amsler grid chart, but only 39.3% used it once per week. Most participants (91.4%) used one or more personal electronic devices. Of these, over half (54.7%) played games on them, among whom 39% played games once a day. Of participants aged 50–69 years, 92% (95%CI 85.1–98.9) were willing to play a game to monitor their vision, compared to 78% (95%CI 69.0–87.0) of those aged 70 years and older ( P < 0.05). Conclusions and Relevance a large proportion of AMD patients already use personal electronic devices. Gamification techniques are likely to increase compliance with self‐monitoring, leading to earlier detection in the next generation of patients with neovascular AMD.