B Bergman, J Sjöstrand
Sahlgren University Hospital/Mölndal, Department of Ophthalmology, Mölndal, Sweden
The background of the study:
The population is aging, and it is important to focus on the visual function of the elderly, to investigate the change in vision in the oldest old, to estimate future numbers of visually impaired and visual rehabilitation needs.
The method used:
In a longitudinal and cross-sectional population study, H70, of old people living in Göteborg, Sweden, subjects were repeatedly eye-examined at age 70, 82, 88, 95 and 97.
The results obtained:
Normal vision (³0.8) declined from 86% at age 70 to 7% at age 95 (nobody at age 97). Visual acuity ≤ 0.1 increased from 1.4% at age 70 to 27% (all women) at age 97. The deterioration was faster at higher ages. No significant difference between genders was found. A significant correlation was found between visual acuity and level of independent living at all ages except age 97. The probability of independent living influenced by correcting refractive errors was calculated.
Conclusions: The number of old people with impaired vision will increase. People aged 80+ should have regular eye-screening. Cataract surgery and vision rehabilitation should be offered when subjects can still benefit, preferably by their eighties.
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