Sensory impairment in older adults: part 2: Vision loss.

Meredith M Whiteside, Margaret I Wallhagen, Elaine Pettengill

Journal: The American journal of nursing 2006;106(11):52-61; quiz 61-2

PMID: 17068436

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Abstract

A decline in vision occurs naturally with age; more severe impairment can result from medical conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Nurses can pick up signs of visual impairment and suggest certain environmental modifications to prevent injury, such as keeping floors free of clutter and rooms well lit. Although assistive technologies such as optical devices, magnifiers, telescopes, and electronic magnification can help, some forms of impairment, such as that caused by cataracts and uncorrected refractive error, can be corrected.

Address: School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.

DOI: 10.1097/00000446-200611000-00019

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MeSH Terms: Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Cataract, Causality, Diabetic Retinopathy, Environment Design, Eye, Geriatric Assessment, Glaucoma, Humans, Macular Degeneration, Nurse's Role, Nursing Assessment, Ocular Physiological Phenomena, Physical Examination, Self-Help Devices, Vision Disorders, Vision Screening, Vision Tests, Persons with Visual Disabilities