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. 2020 Aug 14;60(6):989-995.
doi: 10.1093/geront/gnz117.

Aging With Vision Loss: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Visual Impairment on Older Adults

Bonnielin K Swenor  1 , Moon J Lee  1 , Varshini Varadaraj  1 , Heather E Whitson  2   3   4   5 , Pradeep Y Ramulu  1
Affiliations

Aging With Vision Loss: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Visual Impairment on Older Adults

Bonnielin K Swenor et al. Gerontologist. .

Abstract

There is limited research examining the impact of visual impairment (VI) on older adults while considering the complexities of aging, leaving gaps in our understanding of how health consequences of VI might be averted. We created a framework integrating concepts from disability, geriatrics, and ophthalmology that conceptualizes how VI challenges successful aging. Here, VI influences multiple functional domains, and increases the risk of negative health outcomes. This model acknowledges that common causes, such as risk factors that affect eyes and other systems simultaneously, may also drive the relationship between VI and health outcomes. Finally, the model highlights how the impact of VI on aging outcomes can be addressed at multiple intervention points.

Keywords: Functional performance; Health outcomes; Vision impairment.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Defining visual impairment.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Conceptual framework: the impact of visual impairment on the health of older adults.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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