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Multicenter Study
. 2017 Apr;107(4):564-569.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303631. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Visual Loss and Subsequent Activity Limitations in the Elderly: The French Three-City Cohort

Karine Pérès  1 , Fanny Matharan  1 , Vincent Daien  1 , Virginie Nael  1 , Arlette Edjolo  1 , Isabelle Bourdel-Marchasson 1st  1 , Karen Ritchie  1 , Christophe Tzourio  1 , Cécile Delcourt  1 , Isabelle Carrière  1
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Visual Loss and Subsequent Activity Limitations in the Elderly: The French Three-City Cohort

Karine Pérès et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between vision and disability in the elderly.

Methods: We used a baseline visual indicator (combining near acuity with Snellen equivalent < 20/30 and self-reported distance visual loss) to explore the association between visual loss and subsequent disability (mobility, instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs], ADLs, and participation restriction) from 1999 to 2007 in 8491 elderly participants of the French Three-City Cohort (Bordeaux, Dijon, and Montpellier).

Results: In multiadjusted analyses, near visual impairment, alone or associated with distance visual function loss, was associated with greater risk of developing ADL limitations (P = .027), IADL limitations (P = .002), and participation restriction (P < .001), but not mobility (P = .848). The disabling impact of visual loss was significant for 11 of the 15 activities, when analyzed one by one.

Conclusions: Both near and distance visual loss was associated with greater functional decline over time, and the combination of the two could be even worse. Public Health Implications. In the context of rapid aging of the population, maintaining good vision in the elderly represents a promising prevention track, visual impairment being common in the elderly, largely undermanaged, and mostly reversible. Further research, especially trials, is necessary to estimate the public health impact of such interventions.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Longitudinal Analyses of Relationships Between Initial Visual Status and 3 Mobility Items Among the Elderly (Aged ≥ 65 Years): France, 1999–2007 Note. The figure shows fully adjusted Cox models with delayed entry. Whiskers indicate 95% confidence intervals.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Longitudinal Analyses of Relationships Between Initial Visual Status and the 5 Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Common to Both Sexes Among the Elderly (Aged ≥ 65 Years): France, 1999–2007 Note. The figure shows fully adjusted Cox models with delayed entry. Whiskers indicate 95% confidence intervals.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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