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Abstract #18439 Published in IGR 3-3

Prevalence and causes of visual field loss in the elderly and associations with impairment in daily functioning: the Rotterdam study

Ramrattan RS; Wolfs RCW; Panda-Jonas S; Jonas JB; Bakker D; Pols HA; Hofman A; de Jong PTVM
Annals of ophthalmology (Skokie, Ill.) 2001; 119: 1788-1794


OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and causes of visual field loss (VFL) and the association between VFL and indicators of impairment in daily functioning. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Suburb of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling elderly residents (n = 6250). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: VFL on suprathreshold static or Goldmann kinetic perimetry, or both. METHODS: Suprathreshold testing of the central visual field was performed on both eyes and repeated if results were abnormal or unreliable. Goldmann perimetry was performed to confirm defects. Causes were determined using ophthalmological and neurological examination data and medical records. Impairment was assessed using data from interviews and medical records on disability in daily life, falling, and fractures. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of VFL was 5.6% (3.0% in those aged 55-64 years to 17.0% in those 85 years); glaucoma was the leading cause in all age groups. Before the age of 75 years, other optic nerve diseases and stroke ranked second and third, respectively, as did age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular occlusive disease, respectively, after this age. Also, after adjustment for visual acuity, VFL was associated with disability, diminished enjoyment of reading and watching television, and a higher risk of incident falling. Risk of incident hip fracture was not increased. CONCLUSIONS: VFL is present in one of every 20 community-dwelling elderly people and is associated with impaired daily functioning. Glaucoma is the leading cause in all age groups. Other high-ranking causes, some of which are partly preventable, vary with age.

Dr P.T.V.M. De Jong, The Netherlands Ophthalmic Research Institute, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands. p.dejong@ioi.knaw.nl


Classification:

9 Clinical forms of glaucomas



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