Long-term incidence of visual impairment in older persons: associated factors, burden and impacts

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the long-term incidence of visual impairment (VI) in an older Australian population over a 15-year period, the association between diet quality, and other adverse events. Methods: Participants who had incident VI (visual acuity<6/12) for a duration of ≤5 and 10+years was defined as “short-term” and “long-term” respectively. Face-to-face interviews and questionnaires were used to assess the use of support services, diet quality, subsequent falls, fractures, depressive symptoms and cognitive decline. Results: The 15-year cumulative incidence of bilateral VI was 12.3%. Participants who consumed a higher quality diet had a reduced risk of developing VI. Compared to participants with normal vision, participants with incident bilateral VI were more likely to subsequently need support, experience ≥2 falls, report depressive symptoms and cognitive decline over the short-term. Participants were no longer more likely experience these outcomes over the long-term. Conclusions: A healthy diet was associated with a reduced risk of developing VI. Within the first 5-years of VI diagnosis, adverse events and the demand for support were higher among participants with VI than those without. However these associations diminished over the long-term, suggesting possible treatment and rehabilitation. This highlights the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment of VI.