A randomized trial of visual impairment interventions for nursing home residents: Study design, baseline characteristics and visual loss

Abstract

The nursing home residents had high rates of both cognitive impairment and visual impairment, creating a challenging environment for visual intervention. By improving access to eye care within the context of the clinical trial, and changing either the magnitude of visual loss or the resultant impact on function, we hope to demonstrate a change in the quality of life for nursing home residents.

Impact of Visual Impairment on Vision-Specific Quality of Life among Older Adults Living in Nursing Home

“…The prevalence of VI and blindness (60.76%) at the presenting VA and even after refractive correction (45.57%) was significantly higher in comparison to the published data. 10,12,13 This may be due to a lack of availability of services, but could be due to poor utilization of accessible eye care services by nursing home residents compared to people living at their own homes. It may be also because residents commonly do not wear spectacles even though they have them and they believe that aged people do not personally benefit from treatment intended to improve vision.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Major causes of irreversible blindness such as retinal diseases, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) as well as reversible causes like cataract are common in nursing homes. It is vital that vision care not be ignored in this population.…”

Rationale, Design, Methodology, and Baseline Data of a Population-Based Study in Rural China: The Handan Eye Study

“…2. Questionnaires: Subjects were interviewed by trained staff about demographic information, quality of life (EuroQol-5D, VF/QoL), 71,73,74 and cognitive status (the MiniMental State Examination, MMSE) 75 as well as medical conditions, family history of eye diseases, and barriers for seeking eye care. (Appendix III) 3.…”

An Optometrist-Led Eye Care Program for Older Residents of Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities

“…The prevalence of vision impairment is high among older residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities and retirement homes 2,3. Rates are three to 15 times higher than those among seniors in the community 4.…”