Keeping an eye on the rest of the body

The health problems of the elderly are multiplying exponentially with the demographic changes in our aging population. Visual impairment represents one of the most significant of these problems, not only in terms of eye diseases, but because of the associated dangers affecting the rest of the body. The gradual loss of vision, especially if it first affects one eye, is often ignored or denied until it is far advanced with marked functional impairment or causes serious accident. A high percentage of falls, often with resulting fractures, is a direct result of poor vision, but in the elderly this risk is frequently compounded by unsteady gait, osteoporosis, and poor lighting. Misuse of medication, especially with overdose is frequent when directions are in small print. Misuse can be exacerbated by poor memory. The risk of driving accidents is increased. Although notable progress has been made in technical approaches to ophthalmology, many serious problems such as macular and retinal degeneration remain unsolved. The American Federation for Aging Research, which is dedicated to the support of research in all biomedical changes associated with aging, has an active interest in basic research in the field of visual impairment with other changes and diseases in our elderly population.