Visual Acuity Impairment and Mortality in US Adults

Abstract

To examine the associations between reported visual impairment (VI) and mortality in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey is a multistage probability survey of the US civilian population. Adults within households were administered questions about VI and selected eye diseases (n = 116 796). Mortality linkage data with more than 96% of the 1986-1994 survey participants were available through December 31, 1997. Statistical analyses included Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Main Outcome Measures: All-cause, cardiovascular disease-related, and cancer-related mortality. Results: A total of 327 participants (0.3%) had severe bilateral VI; an additional 4754 (4%) had some VI and/or severe VI in at least one eye. Mortality linkage identified 8949 deaths. After controlling for survey design, age, race,

Does Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect Intraocular Pressure?

“…However, a recruitment bias toward patients with visual problems can not be ruled out, since these patients may have been more easily recruited. The prevalence of increased IOP and glaucoma in this study were in accord with previous studies [42][43][44][45][46] suggesting that such a bias was not present. We used standardized but not validated questionnaires for this study.…”

Does Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect Intraocular Pressure?

“…However, a recruitment bias toward patients with visual problems can not be ruled out, since these patients may have been more easily recruited. The prevalence of increased IOP and glaucoma in this study were in accord with previous studies [42][43][44][45][46] suggesting that such a bias was not present. We used standardized but not validated questionnaires for this study.…”

Assessment of the Effect of Visual Impairment on Mortality through Multiple Health Pathways: Structural Equation Modeling

“…Consistent with previous studies, 3,5,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] we found an association between reported VI and mortality in community-residing adults even after adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, self-rated health, number of nonocular health conditions, and disability. Unlike previous studies, we estimated the indirect effects of VI on mortality risk, which could operate through the impact of VI on self-rated health and on disability.…”

Longitudinal Relationships Among Visual Acuity, Daily Functional Status, and Mortality

“…Many of the aforementioned studies on VA and mortality include an assessment of VA levels at only 1 time. Consistent with these studies, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] we found evidence that baseline levels of VI are associated with an increased risk for mortality after adjustment for potential confounders (models 1 and 2 [eTable 2 in the Supplement). However, the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study was designed to monitor change in functional limitations carefully during 4 periods in addition to monitoring change in VA during the same time period.…”

Does Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect Intraocular Pressure?

“…However, a recruitment bias toward patients with visual problems can not be ruled out, since these patients may have been more easily recruited. The prevalence of increased IOP and glaucoma in this study were in accord with previous studies [42][43][44][45][46] suggesting that such a bias was not present. We used standardized but not validated questionnaires for this study.…”

Assessment of the Effect of Visual Impairment on Mortality through Multiple Health Pathways: Structural Equation Modeling

“…Consistent with previous studies, 3,5,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] we found an association between reported VI and mortality in community-residing adults even after adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, self-rated health, number of nonocular health conditions, and disability. Unlike previous studies, we estimated the indirect effects of VI on mortality risk, which could operate through the impact of VI on self-rated health and on disability.…”

Longitudinal Relationships Among Visual Acuity, Daily Functional Status, and Mortality

“…Many of the aforementioned studies on VA and mortality include an assessment of VA levels at only 1 time. Consistent with these studies, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] we found evidence that baseline levels of VI are associated with an increased risk for mortality after adjustment for potential confounders (models 1 and 2 [eTable 2 in the Supplement). However, the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study was designed to monitor change in functional limitations carefully during 4 periods in addition to monitoring change in VA during the same time period.…”

Does Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Affect Intraocular Pressure?

“…However, a recruitment bias toward patients with visual problems can not be ruled out, since these patients may have been more easily recruited. The prevalence of increased IOP and glaucoma in this study were in accord with previous studies [42][43][44][45][46] suggesting that such a bias was not present. We used standardized but not validated questionnaires for this study.…”

Assessment of the Effect of Visual Impairment on Mortality through Multiple Health Pathways: Structural Equation Modeling

“…Consistent with previous studies, 3,5,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] we found an association between reported VI and mortality in community-residing adults even after adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, self-rated health, number of nonocular health conditions, and disability. Unlike previous studies, we estimated the indirect effects of VI on mortality risk, which could operate through the impact of VI on self-rated health and on disability.…”

Longitudinal Relationships Among Visual Acuity, Daily Functional Status, and Mortality

“…Many of the aforementioned studies on VA and mortality include an assessment of VA levels at only 1 time. Consistent with these studies, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] we found evidence that baseline levels of VI are associated with an increased risk for mortality after adjustment for potential confounders (models 1 and 2 [eTable 2 in the Supplement). However, the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study was designed to monitor change in functional limitations carefully during 4 periods in addition to monitoring change in VA during the same time period.…”