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Abstract #24197 Published in IGR 11-3
Vision loss in older persons
Pelletier AL; Thomas J; Shaw FRAmerican Family Physician 2009; 79: 963-970
Family physicians have an essential role in assessing, identifying, treating, and preventing or delaying vision loss in the aging population. Approximately one in 28 U.S. adults older than 40 years is visually impaired. Vision loss is associated with depression, social isolation, falls, and medication errors, and it can cause disturbing hallucinations. Adults older than 65 years should be screened for vision problems every one to two years, with attention to specific disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Vision-related adverse effects of commonly used medications, such as amiodarone or phosphodiesterase inhibitors, should be considered when evaluating vision problems. Prompt recognition and management of sudden vision loss can be vision saving, as can treatment of diabetic retinopathy, refractive error, cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Aggressive medical management of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia; encouraging smoking cessation; reducing ultraviolet light exposure; and appropriate response to medication adverse effects can preserve and protect vision in many older persons. Antioxidant and mineral supplements do not prevent age-related macular degeneration, but may play a role in slowing progression in those with advanced disease. Copyright
Dr. A.L. Pelletier, Dept. of Family Medicine HB-4020, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-3500, USA. apelletier@mcg.edu
Classification:
1.5 Glaucomas as cause of blindness (Part of: 1 General aspects)
1.4 Quality of life (Part of: 1 General aspects)
