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The NaviSight Study: Investigating How Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa Affect Navigating the Built Environment

Author

Listed:
  • Laura N. Cushley

    (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK)

  • Lajos Csincsik

    (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK)

  • Gianni Virgili

    (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
    Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy)

  • Katie Curran

    (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK)

  • Giuliana Silvestri

    (Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK)

  • Neil Galway

    (School of the Natural and Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK)

  • Tunde Peto

    (Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK
    Ophthalmology Department, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK)

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment is a global problem and, regardless of the cause, it substantially impacts people’s daily lives. Navigating towns and cities can be one of the most difficult tasks for someone with a visual impairment. This is because our streetscapes are often inaccessible for navigating safely and independently by people with a visual impairment. Barriers include street clutter, bollards, pavement parking, and shared spaces. Methodology: Participants with varying levels of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) were recruited. Each participant completed a clinical visit and a 1-mile walk. Participants discussed confidence, anxiety, difficulty, and any barriers encountered while completing the walkaround. Participants completed quality of life (RetDQol), diabetes distress scales, and a study questionnaire. They also underwent retinal imaging and visual function testing. Retinal imaging and visual function results were compared with confidence, difficulty, and anxiety levels during the walkaround using Spearman’s correlation. Results: Thirty-three participants took part in the study, 22 with diabetes and 11 with RP. Results showed that average confidence was correlated with visual acuity, RetDQol, mean visual fields, and vertical peripheral diameter visual fields. Average difficulty was associated with visual acuity, RetDQol, dark adaptation, mean visual fields, percentage of the retina, and both horizontal and vertical diameter visual fields. In addition, some of the barriers discussed were pavement issues, bollards, parked cars, uneven pavements, alfresco dining, light levels, and street features such as tree roots, poles, A-boards, and street clutter. Conclusions: People with RP and treated DR faced common barriers while navigating the walkaround. The removal of these common barriers would make our streetscapes more accessible for all and will allow for more independence in those with visual impairments.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura N. Cushley & Lajos Csincsik & Gianni Virgili & Katie Curran & Giuliana Silvestri & Neil Galway & Tunde Peto, 2024. "The NaviSight Study: Investigating How Diabetic Retinopathy and Retinitis Pigmentosa Affect Navigating the Built Environment," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdisab:v:4:y:2024:i:3:p:32-524:d:1441283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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