Longitudinal changes in visual acuity and visual ability in a cohort followed from the age of 70 to 88 years

To assess the change in visual acuity (VA) for distance and near and to correlate VA to changes in visual ability in a longitudinal study group followed from 70 to 88 years.

In the population-based study H70 in Gothenburg, Sweden, 958 subjects from the original cohort were eye examined at age 70 and the surviving subjects were reexamined at age 82 (n=203) and at 88 years (n=129). Evaluation of change in visual function between age 82 and 88 was made in 66 subjects who took part in all three eye examinations.

The VA in the subsample (n=66) showed minimal difference compared to the cross-sectional groups. At age 70 nearly 100% of both sexes had VA> or =0.8. At age 82 about 50% and at age 88 about 25% had this VA level. Males retained a slightly better visual acuity compared to women. VA< or =0.3 was found in about 10% at age 82 and in >20% at age 88. Reading ability remained high, but at 82 years 1.6% and at 88 years 10.5% could benefit from adjustment of their near glasses. Visual ability corresponded well to VA at age 82, but not at 88 years. Women lost the ability for most tasks, whereas men showed small changes.

The majority of old people had good distance and near vision. A deterioration in visual acuity did not necessarily mean a negative change in visual ability. This emphasizes the importance of relating objective and subjective findings regarding VA and visual impairment to functional ability of the oldest of the elderly.