Citation

Lord SR, Smith ST, Menant JC. Clin. Geriatr. Med. 2010; 26(4): 569-581.

Affiliation

Falls and Balance Research Group, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Barker Street, Randwick, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cger.2010.06.002

PMID

20934611

Abstract

Poor vision impairs balance and increases the risk of falls and fractures in older people. Multifocal glasses can add to this risk by impairing contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and ability to negotiate obstacles. Vision assessment and provision of new spectacles may not reduce, and may even increase, the risk of falls. Restriction of the use of multifocal glasses may reduce falls in active older people. Other effective fall prevention strategies include maximizing vision through cataract surgery and occupational therapy interventions in visually impaired older people.

Language: en