Age-related vision loss in the older adult: the role of the nurse practitioner in prevention and early detection.
Vision loss is a common problem in older adults and may result in functional impairment and accidental injury. The four most common causes of vision loss in this age group are age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. The nurse practitioner has an important role in the prevention and early detection of these conditions. This article reviews scientific evidence on risk factors and preventative interventions for the causes of age-related vision loss. It also describes the important role of the nurse practitioner in assessment of eye health, so that conditions that may be damaging to vision may be detected early and monitored in the primary care setting.
Crocker Houde
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Department of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA 01854, USA. Susan_Houde@uml.edu
D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D014787:Vision Tests; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control