Relationship between visual acuity and muscle mass in the Korean older population: a cross-sectional study using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the effects of visual acuity on muscle mass, which is an important indicator of health in older populations.DesignPooled-sample cross-sectional study.SettingNationally representative population survey data.ParticipantsThe present study analysed men aged 65 years or older who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008–2011).Primary and secondary outcome measuresMuscle mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and low muscle mass was defined as appendicular skeletal mass divided by height squared (kg/m2) <6.43 kg/m2 (lowest quintile of the older population in KNHANES, 2008–2011). Visual acuity was evaluated based on best-corrected visual acuity of the better eye.ResultsOf the 1733 participants, 89.9% had good visual acuity. After adjusting for age, the height-adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass values were 7.16 and 7.00 kg/m2 in the good and poor vision groups, respectively (p=0.042). According to our criterion for low muscle mass, the prevalence of low muscle mass was 16.4% and 34.7% in the good and poor vision groups, respectively. After adjusting for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, frequency of physical activity, educational level, the status of basic livelihood recipient and history of stroke, the poor visual acuity group had higher odds of low muscle mass than the good visual acuity group (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.50; p=0.040).ConclusionsOlder men with decreased visual acuity have low muscle mass. Poor vision might be an indicator of low muscle mass.

Association between age‐related sensory impairment with sarcopenia and its related components in older adults: a systematic review

“…Two studies showed evidence of significant associations between objectively measured sensory impairment parameters and low muscle mass. In a cross‐sectional study of Koreans aged ≥65 years, Moon and colleagues demonstrated that VI was associated with a 1.6‐fold higher odds of low muscle mass (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.50; P = 0.04) 22 . Similarly, in a longitudinal study of US adults ≥70 years by Purdy and associates, individuals with SI at baseline experienced a greater annual decline in total lean mass (−139 g/year, 95% CI: −236 to −43; P < 0.05) compared with those without SI at baseline 32 …”

“…Given the high prevalence rates of sarcopenia and sensory impairment in older adults, their associations with other geriatric syndromes and the presence of several shared health‐related risk factors 5,14–17 . A direct relationship between the two has been hypothesized 22,23 . Establishing this relationship is important, as sensory impairments can be managed effectively with sensory interventions such as cataract surgery, provision of glasses and hearing aids, and olfactory management 24–27 .…”

“… 5 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 A direct relationship between the two has been hypothesized. 22 , 23 Establishing this relationship is important, as sensory impairments can be managed effectively with sensory interventions such as cataract surgery, provision of glasses and hearing aids, and olfactory management. 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 Specifically, cross‐sectional 22 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 and longitudinal 32 , 33 , 34 studies have documented the association between sensory impairments and the associated components of sarcopenia.…”

“… 22 , 23 Establishing this relationship is important, as sensory impairments can be managed effectively with sensory interventions such as cataract surgery, provision of glasses and hearing aids, and olfactory management. 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 Specifically, cross‐sectional 22 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 and longitudinal 32 , 33 , 34 studies have documented the association between sensory impairments and the associated components of sarcopenia. As such, sensory impairments may represent an early indicator and modifiable risk factor of sarcopenia.…”

Changes in Computer-Analyzed Facial Expressions with Age

“…On upper facial expression, namely AU 06 and 07, the older adults can show greater intensity than the younger adults. Increased activity in orbicularis oculi muscle [ 81 ], deeply set of eye [ 82 ], and changes in eyelid due to poor visual acuity [ 83 ] may have affected the changes in upper facial expression. For lower facial expression, AU 10, 12, 14, the strength of the face may have been further tapped due to the highlighted facial contour caused by loss of subcutaneous fill around the nose and mouth in the older adults [ 84 ].…”