[Possibilities of improving vision of poorly sighted patients by means of a diaphragm].

The possibility of using diaphragming means for improving the vision of poorly sighted patients is discussed. A total of 279 patients (514 eyes) aged 6-82 years were examined, 118 (42.3%) of these with ocular diseases. Comparative analysis of the time course of visual acuity was carried out in patients using diaphragming means, optimal eyeglasses, and both. Eyeglasses are preferable for the majority of patients with poor vision, as they allow a higher visual acuity than diaphragming eyeglasses. Diaphragming means are more effective in patients with opaque optic media of the eyes with slight refraction disorders. A diaphragming racket is suggested for utilization of the useful characteristics of the diaphragm; it can be combined with eyeglass correction of ametropia. A group of patients was distinguished, for whom the combination of these two types of correction is the most effective: patients with corneal dystrophy, involution cataract, retinopathy neonatorum, aphakia, high complicated myopia, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, the diaphragming racket is recommended for use during consultations for more accurate evaluation of the correction of ametropia and the intactness of the retinal macular zone in patients with opaque optic media of the eye.