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Geriatric Ophthalmology pp 95–102Cite as

Visual Loss and Falls

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Abstract

Impairment of vision is a significant, independent risk factor for falls, which are themselves a leading cause of injuries and increased healthcare costs in elderly populations. Screening and monitoring of visual function should include not only central acuity but also visual field, binocular vision , and contrast sensitivity . Correction of vision, such as by cataract surgery, has been shown to improve postural stability and reduce incidence of falls; however, caution has been advised in using multifocal glasses, as they have been shown to impair edge-contrast sensitivity and depth perception . In particular, stair negotiation is an important hazard, and exercise programs and cognitive training can reduce fall risk. Advances have been undertaken in the use of sensors to monitor falls and improve screening detection algorithms, although standardizing parameters among separate algorithms remains a challenge. In addition to complete visual and medical screening for fall risk, clinicians also should counsel patients and families on the impact of visual loss on fall risks and quality of life. Home safety inspections and reassessments of environmental hazards should be conducted regularly.

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Acknowledgement

The authors of the chapter would like to thank Dr. David Steven Friedman for his contribution toward this chapter.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine, School of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Weijie Violet Lin

  2. Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  3. Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  4. UTMB, Galveston, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  5. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  6. Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  7. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  8. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

  9. University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

Authors
  1. Weijie Violet Lin
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  2. Andrew G. Lee
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew G. Lee .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Hilary A. Beaver

  2. Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    Andrew G. Lee

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Lin, W.V., Lee, A.G. (2019). Visual Loss and Falls. In: Beaver, H., Lee, A. (eds) Geriatric Ophthalmology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04019-2_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04019-2_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-04017-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-04019-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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