Work

Undetected Visual Impairment Among Older People and Its Impact on Vision-Related Quality of Life: A Study Protocol

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Ageing is a continuous process of physiological changes that occur over time and affect both ability and function, including vision. A major health issue for older people is visual impairment, which affects both daily activities and quality of life. Undetected visual impairment is a significant problem. Therefore, early detection is crucial to enable older people to optimise their vision and/or receive eye care. This study protocol aims to explore the prevalence of undetected visual impairment among the ageing population and its impact on their quality of life. Methods: This study has an exploratory design. We include participants attending a healthcare centre and participants attending an optician, aged 75 years and older, in Sweden. At baseline eye examinations, fundus photography, the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and health economic data are collected. Individual semi-structured interviews (n = 25–30) will then be conducted about older people’s experiences of visual impairment, both consequences and strategies for coping with visual impairment in daily life. The NEI VFQ-25 and health economic data will be collected at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Conclusions: This study will provide important knowledge to facilitate early detection of visual impairment in older people, thereby providing a deeper understanding of methods to preserve visual function and quality of life despite the presence of visual impairment.

Source: Nursing Reports

DOI: 10.3390/nursrep15040125

Authors: Carina Göransson, Jeanette Källstrand

Institution: Halmstad University

Language: English

Topic: Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172