Visual risk factors for falls in older people. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2001 May;49(5):508-15.
Visual stabilization of posture in the elderly: fallers vs. nonfallers. Optom Vis Sci. 1994 Dec;71(12):761-9. The above articles reflect some investigations into vision's contribution as a fall risk factor. From these it appears that contrast sensitivity, depth perception and visual acuity may have the most significant impact upon falling in the elderly. I would suggest that in lieu of or in addition to specific tests one should determine if problematic eye diseases exist (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration). These eye diseases often carry with them the visual deficits listed above. Do keep in mind that although vision deficits may complicate a fall risk profile, the interaction of other risk factors must be considered. Cognition (judgement/safety awareness), balance, physical environment, medication profiles, fall history, just to name a few, should be considered. I would be interested to learn what your team's fall prevention program ends up looking like. Aaron Eakman, MS, OTR/L ----- Original Message ----- From: "D. Silva" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2001 2:30 PM Subject: Vision Screening > We are starting a fall prevention program at the home care agency where I > work. I would like to do quick vision screening on all at-risk patients, > but haven't been able to find anything on the net. Can anyone help me, > either by providing me with info or with leads on the net. Thanks, > Donna > > *********��*********** > > Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > In the message's *body*, put the following text: > > unsubscribe OTlist > > List messages are archived at: > > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > *********��*********** > *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] *********��***********
