Visual status and ocular morbidity in older adults living in residential care

The frequency of visual impairment and blindness increases with age and is more prevalent among older adults living in residential care centers. The main aim of this study was to assess the visual status and determine the prevalence and major causes of visual impairment and blindness among the older adults living in residential care centers of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 residents of 60 years or older residing in seven residential care centers of Kathmandu Valley. Presenting distance visual acuity was assessed in each eye with a Snellen chart at 6-m distance in non-standardized outdoor illumination. Objective and subjective refractions were performed and the best-corrected distance visual acuity was considered in the better eye. Near acuity was assessed binocularly with The Lighthouse Near Acuity Card. Complete anterior and posterior segment examination was carried out.

The mean age of residents was 74.34 ± 8.19 years. The majority was female residents (78.2 %). The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness was 43.70 %. Adequate refractive correction could alone reduce the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness by 15.40 %. Cataract was the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, which was followed by age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacity, glaucoma, and macular scar.

The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness is significant among the older adults living in residential care centers. The frequency of visual impairment and blindness can be prevented by adequate refractive correction, frequent eye examination, and appropriate high use of cataract surgery.