Visual field loss associated with increased risk of falls

Visual field loss increases the risk of falls in older adults, a study found. "This finding highlights the importance of visual field deficits in the risk of falls and supports other findings on decrements in mobility and increased risk of bumping with worsening visual field function," the study authors said.

"Persons with visual field loss may benefit from mobility training to reduce the risk of falling," they noted.

Ellen E. Freeman and colleagues reviewed data on falls provided by 2,375 individuals who participated in the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (SEE). Each participant recorded their falls on monthly calendars for up to 20 months and sent the calendars to the SEE clinic, according to the study.

Investigators found that worse visual field scores were associated with the risk of falling. However, comparing assessments of central and peripheral visual fields, only peripheral visual field was associated with falling, the authors reported.

After adjusting for demographic and health variables, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and stereoacuity show no association with falling, they noted.

The study is published in the October issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.