Undetected vision loss among older adults - a barrier to healthy aging

Abstract

Background

Ageing brings changes, but not all should be quietly accepted. Gradual vision loss often creeps in unnoticed, and too often, it is dismissed as a natural part of growing older. Despite accessible treatments like glasses, assistive devices, and cataract surgery, many live with avoidable visual impairment, largely due to uncorrected refractive errors. This issue constitutes a significant public health concern, given both the considerable number of older adults affected and the increasing ageing population, and could potentially compromise older people's right to health and full participation in society.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of undetected vision loss among adults aged 75 years and older, and to explore how they perceive their vision in daily life.

Methods

Older adults visiting one regional healthcare center and opticians were invited to participate. Baseline assessments included distance and near vision, contrast sensitivity, retinal imaging, and a vision-related quality of life questionnaire (VFQ-25). Follow-up measurements are conducted at six and twelve months with VFQ-25. In-depth interviews with 13 participants explore everyday experiences of vision loss.

Results

Preliminary findings from the interviews (n = 13) as well as the VFQ-25 questionnaire (n = 137) show that the slow progression of vision loss often leads individuals to normalize their symptoms. Many participants perceive declining vision as a natural part of ageing, delaying help-seeking and adaptation.

Conclusions

Addressing this normalization is key to early detection of undetected vision loss. Promoting timely interventions can support autonomy, quality of life and the right to healthy ageing.

Key messages

• Older peoples’ normalization of undetected vision loss risks leaving avoidable visual impairment and treatable conditions unaddressed.

• Interventions are needed for promoting vision and healthy aging.