Congenital aniridia patients' experience on their visual impairment in Hungary An ANIRIDIA-NET survey

Introduction: Aniridia is a rare congenital panocular disease associated with varying degrees of visual acuity impair-ment. Objective: To assess the experiences of congenital aniridia patients in Hungary, with visual impairment using a ques-tionnaire developed by the ANIRIDIA-NET. Patients and method: Patients completed the Hungarian version of the 20-item ANIRIDIA-NET questionnaire with our assistance. The questionnaire covered demographic data, the most common complaints caused by the disease, the difficulties caused by low vision in different life situations and the frequency of low vision aids used in daily life. Results: 33 subjects (17 female [51.51%] and 16 male [48.48%]), 16 (48.5%) children and 17 (51.5%) adults com-pleted the questionnaire, with an age of 25.69 +/- 17.49 years (5-59 years). Daily photosensitivity was reported by 27 (81.8%), dry eyes by 5 (15.2%), tearing by 4 (12.1%), fluctuating vision by 3 (9.1%), and eye pain by 2 (6.1%) sub-jects. The majority of respondents said that personal communication with schoolmates (16 [48.5%]) or colleagues at work (11 [33.3%]) never caused difficulties because of their visual impairment. 29 people (87.9%) never needed help with daily routines at home, 24 (72.7%) with getting to school/work and 17 (51.5%) with various activities. 29 peo-ple (87.8%) never used low vision aids for communication, 23 (69.7%) for travelling, 20 (60.6%) for participating in social activities, 18 (54.5%) for studying/work. Conclusion: Although aniridia is associated with reduced visual acuity, the majority of people with congenital aniridia, especially in childhood, manage to cope with personal communication and various life situations without difficulty, despite their eye complaints. Low vision aids can be an important aid for them as they grow into adulthood and as they age.