RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STEREOPSIS AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Stereopsis is binocular information of depth which may contribute to visuomotor coordination and/or daily activities. But standard visual acuity and visual field testing might not be adequate to assess for the functional effects of binocular fixation dysfunction. Objective: To systematically review the literature to find out if there is any correlation between stereopsis and functional performance in the adult Visual Impairment. Methods: Systematic literature search was done in the main electronic databases and reference and citation search. Studies might be accepted if they included at least individuals ≥18 years of age with visual impairment or any of the visual parameters relevant for the assessment of stereopsis or stereoacuity, and assessed at least one functional outcome. Narrative synthesis of the eligible evidence was carried out based on functional domains and methodological characteristics. Results: Evidence was found that deficits in stereopsis are correlated on average with poorer outcome in functional fine motor and visuomotor tests, mobility/physical performance, and a vision functioning quality-of-life. Emotional, cognitive and functional implications were also discovered but not as consistent as emotional implications. There was significant heterogeneity in stereopsis and functional outcome measures and participant populations, thus limiting the possibility of quantitative meta-analysis. Conclusions: Stereopsis is an important aspect of functional vision in visually impaired adults. Assessment of it as well as pictorial standard measures could contribute to the better description of function and thus clinical decision-making regarding individual rehabilitation.