Evaluation of visual functions and their relationship to functional vision and falls in active elderly of the community

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the visual functions of the elderly and the relationship with functional vision and falls.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the municipality of Anápolis-GO with 46 elderly aged ≥ 60 years, who met all inclusion requirements. These were evaluated for functional vision, visual functions, overall functionality and self-reported falls. Statistical analysis was performed to verify the correlation between fallers and nonfallers with visual functions and functional vision.

Results:

There was a statistically significant correlation between self-reported falls and stereopsis in the elderly (p=0.05). Similarly, a relationship was found between functional vision and visual acuity (p=0.023). Fear of further falls affected the vast majority of the elderly. However, there was no correlation between self-reported vision and falls.

Conclusion:

The results show that there is a correlation between stereopsis and the incidence of falls, suggesting that deep vision may be directly related to the risk of falls. There was also a correlation between functional vision and visual acuity, suggesting that the ability of the eye to distinguish details, contours and shapes may influence the quality of activities involving vision.

Keywords:
Functional overview; Visual function; Visual acuity; Accidental falls; Aged