[Aging without seeing: evaluation of the adjustment to loss of sight during old age]

The adjustment process to visual impairment can be approached by using theoretical models. The key variables in these models are usually measured by using psychometric instruments. The measurements can be taken from those already existing for the general population or be specifically designed for the visually impaired population. If the chosen measurements are reasonably valid and behave as the model predicts, they can be further used for designing programs that improve the process of adjusting. We describe the identification, adaptation and validation of some theses measurements.

We selected the psychometrics instruments to be used in the research: the Age-Related Vision Loss Scale (AVL) by Horowitz and Reinhardt; the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (NAS) by Dodds, and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Brink and Yesavage. The AVL and NAS were adapted for use in Spain. The referred measurements were applied to a sample of 335 respondents together with the Scale of Subjective Wellbeing (EBS), and their psychometric properties were assessed.

The estimated reliabilities were: AVL (0.80), NASA2 (0.87), NASB (0.81), NASC (0.75), NASE (0.87), GDS (0.90). The relationships between the measurements were all in the expected direction, and the magnitude of the convergent-validity coefficients was considered as acceptable.

Our results suggests that the available measurements discussed above are appropriate for assessing the adjustment process, and are useful tools for individual assessment, as well as for designing intervention programs. All the measurements are available in computerized form in www.proyectotarragona.es.