Vision and falls in older people: risk factors and intervention strategies

Stephen R Lord; Stuart T Smith; Jasmine C Menant

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2010.06.002

Vision and falls in older people: risk factors and intervention strategies

Clin Geriatr Med. 2010 Nov;26(4):569-81. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2010.06.002.

Authors

Stephen R Lord¹, Stuart T Smith, Jasmine C Menant

Affiliation

¹ Falls and Balance Research Group, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia. s.lord@neura.edu.au

PMID: 20934611
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2010.06.002

Abstract

Poor vision impairs balance and increases the risk of falls and fractures in older people. Multifocal glasses can add to this risk by impairing contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and ability to negotiate obstacles. Vision assessment and provision of new spectacles may not reduce, and may even increase, the risk of falls. Restriction of the use of multifocal glasses may reduce falls in active older people. Other effective fall prevention strategies include maximizing vision through cataract surgery and occupational therapy interventions in visually impaired older people.

MeSH terms

Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
Aged
Aging*
Depth Perception
Eyeglasses*
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Postural Balance
Posture
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Vision Disorders* / diagnosis
Vision Disorders* / therapy
Vision, Ocular / physiology*
Visual Acuity