rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:165-170 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.2.165
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Visual acuity measurements in a national sample of British elderly people

  1. J C van der Polsa,
  2. C J Batesa,
  3. P V McGrawb,
  4. J R Thompsonc,
  5. M Reacherd,
  6. A Prenticea,
  7. S Finche
  1. aMRC Human Nutrition Research, Cambridge CB4 1XJ, bUniversity of Bradford, Department of Optometry, Bradford BD7 1DP, cLeicester Royal Infirmary/University of Leicester, Ophthalmology Department, Leicester LE2 7LX, dPublic Health Laboratory Service, London NW9 5EQ, eSocial and Community Planning Research, London EC1V 0ED
  1. Miss Jolieke van der Pols, MRC Human Nutrition Research, Downham's Lane, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1XJ
  • Accepted 11 August 1999

Abstract

BACKGROUND Despite the fact that visual function has an important role in the quality of life in later years, very few studies have measured visual acuity in population based nationwide samples of British elderly people. Such measurements were carried out in the context of the national diet and nutrition survey of people aged 65 years or over (NDNS).

METHODS NDNS participants, who were living in 80 different randomly selected postcode areas of mainland Britain, were visited at their home by a nurse who measured visual acuity at 3 metres, using the Glasgow acuity card (GAC) method. In addition, a brief questionnaire related to ocular health was administered.

RESULTS Visual acuity was measured in 1362 NDNS participants who were not classified as mentally impaired. Visual impairment (using the WHO low vision criteria) was measured in 195 (14.3%) subjects. Prevalence of visual impairment increased significantly with age (65–74 years 3.1%; 75–84 years 11.6%; 85+ years 35.5%, p<0.001 for trend). Impaired vision was more common in subjects living in a nursing home (odds ratio adjusted for age 2.59 (95% CI 2.23 to 2.96)) and in women (odds ratio adjusted for age 1.55 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.89)). 132 (9.7%) subjects had previously undergone cataract surgery and another 157 (11.5%) had been told that they currently had cataract. Vision improved 0.2 log units or more (at least one Snellen line) with the aid of a pinhole occluder in 289 subjects (21.2%).

CONCLUSION Results of this nationwide, community based study confirm that problems with poor distance visual acuity exist in a substantial part of the elderly community, particularly in women and people living in nursing homes.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content


    Free trial
    Individuals may register for a free 60 day online trial to all content.

    Free archive
    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.