Impaired vision in the elderly: a preventable condition.
BACKGROUND
Vision is thought to deteriorate with age as a number of factors in later life endanger eyesight. Assessment of the visual acuity of the elderly and identification of endangering factors help in detecting those with impaired vision which in turn impairs daily activities.


OBJECTIVE
This study measured the visual acuity of the senior citizens and identified those with impaired vision. The probable contributing factors for impaired vision were studied with the aim of preventing visual impairment.


METHODS
The study was part of a screening campaign for elderly glaucoma in the community. A convenience sample of ambulatory senior citizens from stratified localities had their visual acuity measured with a standard Snellen's chart. The test was repeated with pinholes if the visual acuity was less than 0.5. Those without improvement after pinhole were considered as having impaired vision. People with elevated intraocular pressure by the Pulsair were selected for examination by an ophthalmologist for ocular pathology.


RESULTS
For the ambulatory population aged > or = 65 the mean visual acuity of either eye before pinhole was 0.3. Nearly 72% had impaired vision (visual acuity not corrected above 0.5 with pinhole). There was a significant association between this impairment and female sex, history of diabetes mellitus or glaucoma, cataract, and infrequent eye examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Impaired vision is highly prevalent in the elderly ambulatory population, a condition which is preventable by tight surveillance of predisposing factors and regular simple measurement of visual acuity. The primary care setting is most suitable for these activities.
Wun
Y T
YT
Department of Community and Family Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
Lam
C C
CC
Shum
W K
WK
D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015984:Causality; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015351:Vision Screening; D014792:Visual Acuity