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Visual impairment and blindness in institutionalized elderly in Germany
Petra P Larsen1, Sarah Thiele1, Tim U Krohne1
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, D-53127, Bonn, Germany.
Summary
High rates of blindness and visual impairment affect institutionalized elderly in Germany. Older age and reduced mobility are key risk factors, highlighting the need for inclusive eye health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Visual impairment and blindness are significant health concerns in the elderly population.
- Institutionalized elderly individuals may have unique challenges in accessing eye care.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness in institutionalized elderly in Germany.
- To identify factors associated with visual impairment and blindness in this population.
- To assess ophthalmic healthcare needs and provision in German nursing homes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study involving 600 institutionalized elderly participants in 32 German nursing homes.
- Standardized ophthalmic examinations including visual acuity, refraction, tonometry, biomicroscopy, and funduscopy.
- Questionnaires to identify factors related to eye healthcare utilization and visual status.
Main Results:
- Out of 600 participants, 5.3% were blind and 18.7% had moderate to severe visual impairment (WHO definition).
- Older age (OR=1.1) and reduced mobility (OR=12.6) were significantly associated with increased odds of blindness and visual impairment.
- The study determined visual acuity for 94.3% of the residents.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of nursing home residents experience blindness or visual impairment.
- Age and reduced mobility are significant risk factors for visual impairment in this demographic.
- Excluding nursing home residents from surveys may lead to underestimation of visual impairment prevalence.
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