Prevalence of Visual Handicap in the Elderly Institutionalised Population in the Geneva Area

Zusammenfassung

Objectiv: Ziel dieser Studie war die Erhebung der Prävalenz der Schwachsichtigkeit in Altersheimen im Kanton Genf. Methode: Insgesamt wurden bei 96 Patienten aus 8 Altersheimen Nah- und Fernvisus sowie die Kontrastsehschärfe untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden Fragen des modifizierten NEI-VFQ-25 Test gestellt. Ergebnisse: 42 % der untersuchten Patienten waren schwachsichtig, 3 % blind, 31 % klagten über eine Sehschwäche, jedoch nur 12 % waren deswegen besorgt. Katarakt, altersbedingte Makuladegeneration und diabetische Retinopathie waren die häufigsten Ursachen der Schwachsichtigkeit. Diskussion: Die Prävalenz der Schwachsichtigkeit der Bevölkerung in Altersheimen ist erhöht, jedoch wenige dieser Patienten sind aufgrund dieser Schwachsichtigkeit besorgt. Dies kann im Zusammenhang mit anderen Gesundheitsbeschwerden stehen, die vermehrt bei der älteren Bevölkerung diagnostiziert werden.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of visual impairment in the elderly population in geriatric homes in an urban area. Patients and Methods: A sample of 96 patients from 8 geriatric homes [”Etablissements Médico-Sociaux” (EMS)] in the Geneva area were examined. The NEI-VFQ-25 modified questionnaire was used. Visual acuity examination (far and near), contrast visual acuity measurement and enlargement need were administered by low vision trainers. Results: Of the 96 patients 42 % were partially sighted and 3 % blind. Self assessment of visual performance disclosed that 31 % of the patients complained about bad vision but only 12 % were worried about their vision. Cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetes were the most frequent diagnosis associated to visual disability. Discussion: The prevalence of the visual handicap in the elderly geriatric population is very high, but most of the patients are neither aware, nor worried about their handicap. This maybe related to associated general health disabling diseases.

Schlüsselwörter

Schwachsichtigkeit - Altersheim - altersbedingte Makuladegeneration

Key words

Low vision - elderly - age-related macular degeneration - falls

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