Vision, light and aging: a literature overview on older-age workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Ergonomics
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Increasing numbers of older adults are working past traditional retirement age.
• Age-related visual changes necessitate adjustments in workplace conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize knowledge on age-related visual and non-visual changes in older workers.
• To examine the relationship between these changes, lighting, and work performance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review conducted in PubMed and EMBASE.
• Focused on visual changes, lighting, visual ergonomics, and workplace consequences in older individuals.

Main Results:

• Visual conditions and lighting significantly affect work performance in individuals over 65.
• Age-related visual decline and ocular diseases reduce functional capacity.
• Light-dark rhythms are important for circadian regulation, potentially requiring specific attention in older populations.
• Secondary effects include musculoskeletal issues and pain due to visual deterioration.

Conclusions:

• Age-related eye changes and diseases impact older workers' well-being and performance.
• Revising working conditions is essential.
• Further knowledge on visual functions, light, and ocular diseases is needed for effective work design and prevention.