Common systemic diseases in geriatric patients

The elderly population will substantially increase by the year 2000, leading to an increased number of elderly patients in the optometric practice. The elderly differ substantially from other patient groups as aging is accompanied by many functional deficits. However, the majority of these decrements do not result in illness or disability. Disease states exist separately or are superimposed upon the already compromised body systems of the elderly. The average geriatric patient suffers from two or more chronic diseases. As primary care practitioners, optometrists should be familiar with the more prevalent diseases of the elderly and their impact upon performance during the vision examination. A review of the common diseases associated with aging is presented.