[Vision disorders in the elderly]

British trials from the 60's reveal that older patients tend to underreport their health problems. They misjudge them as non specific or being caused by old age. In this study we investigate whether standard preventive assessment facilitates the detection and early intervention of ophthalmological problems in old age.

For the first time a representative screening trial for older patients visiting their general practitioner was carried out in Germany, 1994. The surgeries as well as the 466 participating patients over 69 years were randomly selected. GPs were asked to examine the visual problems of the participants per standardized questionnaire and visual accuracy test. GPs had to report uncovered problems and planned interventions.

Altogether, 75% of the participating patients had some need for a further ophthalmological diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. Every fourth patient had not seen an ophthalmologist within the last two years. 40% of the participants complained of eye problems. 22% had symptoms of a glaucoma. Visual accuracy was low in 17% of the older patients. General practitioners had only been aware of 50% of all visual problems requiring further intervention. About half of the patients with a low visual accuracy and 70% with an indication of glaucoma had been unknown before. For about half of the patients requiring ophthalmological investigation (excluding problems with glasses) an intervention was planned. For every fifth, the general practitioners initiated referrals.

The standard preventive facilitated to detect a high rate of visual problems in old age. Close cooperation with ophthalmologists is necessary for patients who do not take up the specialists' eye check ups (especially those at risk). Patients with severe eye problems in some cases in spite of specialists' care also require interdisciplinary treatment.