Longitudinal relationships between visual acuity and severe depressive symptoms in older adults: the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study

Abstract

Objectives To assess the longitudinal relationship between visual acuity (VA) and depressive symptoms (DS) among older adults. Methods A population-based sample of 2,520 white and black individuals aged 65–84 years in 1993–1995 were assessed at baseline and at two, six, eight years later. Presenting and best-corrected visual acuity were assessed using ETDRS chart. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Severe Depression subscale of GHQ-28. Latent Growth Curve models estimated visual acuity and depressive symptom trajectories and age-adjusted associations between trajectories. Results Best-corrected logMAR VA worsened over time (slope=0.026, intercept=0.013, both p<0.001). No change in DS over time was observed (slope=−0.001, p=0.762; intercept=1.180, p<0.001). However, a small change in DS was observed in participants who completed all rounds (slope=0.005, p=0.015). Baseline VA levels correlated with baseline DS levels (r=0.14, p<0.001). Baseline DS were associated with best-corrected VA change (r=0.17, p=0.01). Baseline best-corrected VA was not associated with DS change (r=0.017, p=0.8). Best-corrected VA change was not significantly associated with depressive symptom change (r=−0.03, p=0.7). Discussion Depressive symptoms are significantly associated with visual acuity cross-sectionally, and persons with higher baseline DS scores were more likely to experience worsening VA over time. The complex relationship between visual impairment and DS suggests the need for a continued effort to detect and treat both visual decline and severe depressive symptoms in a growing elderly population.

Mastery and self-esteem mediate the association between visual acuity and mental health: a population-based longitudinal cohort study

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Visual Impairment among Older Adults in a Rural Community in Eastern China

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