Dual visual impairment and contrast sensitivity among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study from the PrevQuedas Brazil trial

Objective: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included eligible community-dwelling older adults (> 60 years of age) from the PrevQuedas Brazil clinical trial who had suffered at least 1 fall...

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Published inGeriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Online) Vol. 17; pp. 1 - 8
Main Authors Ferreira, Fernanda Pretti Chalet, Magalhães, Maria Aquimara Zambone, Varanda, Renata dos Ramos, Ishigaki, Erika Yukie, Passos, Adson da Silva, Sañudo, Adriana, Perracini, Monica Rodrigues
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology 01.08.2023
Subjects
accidental falls
aged
contrast sensitivity
risk factors
visual acuity
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Summary:Objective: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. Methods: This cross-sectional study included eligible community-dwelling older adults (> 60 years of age) from the PrevQuedas Brazil clinical trial who had suffered at least 1 fall in the last 12 months (n = 703). We evaluated visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the Snellen E chart and low contrast visual acuity tests; those with both impairment types were considered to have dual visual impairment. Results: Visual acuity, low contrast sensitivity, and dual visual impairment were associated with recurrent falls (OR 1.85); visual impairment was more prevalent among the oldest old. Approximately 90.00% of the participants reported using glasses, and 63.80% used multifocal lenses. Dual impairment was identified in 143 (20.30%) participants. In multivariate logistic regression, the predictive variables for recurrent falls were low contrast sensitivity (95%CI 1.15–2.47), dual visual impairment (95%CI 1.16–2.83), and self-perceived fall risk (95%CI 1.16–2.46) which was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. Conclusion: Older adults with dual visual impairment are more likely to suffer recurrent falls. Low contrast sensitivity is crucial for fall risk assessment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01698580).
ISSN:2447-2123
2447-2123
DOI:10.53886/gga.e0230025