Vision screening in older adults on dialysis: do nephrology nurses have a role?

Undetected vision loss commonly occurs in older adults adding undue stress to those on dialysis. Poor vision is associated with increased risk of falls and decreased quality of life. Common visual impairments--presbyopia, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy--often are detectable by visual acuity testing. Using various methods of visual acuity testing, nephrology nurses can perform vision testing quickly and inexpensively. Other nursing interventions also can improve eyesight.