Low Vision/Geriatrics News

Vision impairment was identified as a significant burden for older adults in a World Health Organization report on the needs in developing communities.

Constant clinical low vision care is vital for children with visual impairments to succeed in school and in their communities, according to a position paper from the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry.

Most people disdain the aging process. To me, it is “much ado about nothing.” Age 65 is neither the beginning nor, it is hoped, the end of anything. It is a number, nothing more, nothing less. Life does not begin at age 50 or 65 or any particular age. Scientists refer to seasons or stages in the life cycle. There are tasks of “oldhood” just as there are tasks of childhood.

Researchers discovered a direct relationship between loss of visual acuity and decline in instrumental activities of daily living levels, which increases the risk of mortality in older adults.

A review recently published by Optometry & Vision Science discussed techniques to better manage older patients who are at risk for falling, one of which is to avoid dramatic changes in spectacle lens prescriptions.

A study recently published in Ophthalmology found that combining low vision rehabilitation with mental health support halved the incidence of depression in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

A new survey shows that 39% of polled practices have patient bases consisting of 20% to 40% of patients older than 65 years, while 37% reported more than 40% of patients are older than 65 years.

In studying various surveys on common age-related vision conditions, researchers concluded that ongoing surveys designed to provide reliable estimates of age-related vision impairment are needed.

ATLANTA – LVR Technology LLC announced Thursday here at SECO the availability of its patented readers built specifically for patients with vision impairment.

A clinical trial of Sapphire II, an eye testing system designed to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, was successful, Cognoptix announced last week.