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A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
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Changes in Visual Function in the Elderly Population in the United States: 1995-2010
Yiqun Chen1, Paul Hahn2, Frank A Sloan1
1a Department of Economics , Duke University , Durham , NC , USA.
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|May 5, 2016
Summary
Visual function improved in US adults aged 70+ from 1995 to 2010, driven by reduced adverse aging effects and better management of conditions like glaucoma, despite demographic shifts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging populations face increasing risks of vision impairment.
- Understanding trends in visual function is crucial for geriatric eye care.
- Self-reported visual function provides insights into functional status in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document trends in visual function for US adults aged 70+.
- To analyze compositional and structural changes affecting visual function over time.
- To identify factors contributing to changes in vision in the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized merged data from the 1995 Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) and 2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS).
- Included Medicare Part B claims for comprehensive health data.
- Employed decomposition analysis on self-reported visual function (1-6 scale) for individuals aged 70+.
Main Results:
- Overall visual function improved from 3.14 (worse than good) in 1995 to 2.98 (better than good) in 2010.
- Compositional changes included increased education (improving vision) and higher diabetes prevalence (lowering vision).
- Structural changes, such as reduced adverse aging effects, better diabetes management, and diagnosed glaucoma treatment, were more impactful than compositional changes.
Conclusions:
- Despite an aging US population, visual function improved among the elderly, particularly those 80+.
- Structural changes played a key role in mitigating the negative impacts of aging on vision.
- Findings suggest positive interventions and management strategies are improving vision in older adults.
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