A recent study1 links uncorrected vision loss to an increased risk of death among seniors. While the study couldn’t provide a definitive reason for the connection, the researchers involved do have a theory.
Researchers speculate the cause for the increased risk of mortality was the inability to perform daily tasks independently due to vision loss. Daily tasks included housekeeping, shopping or using the telephone. The study found participants who had difficultly performing daily tasks increased their risk of mortality by 3% annually and had a 31% higher risk by the end of the last year of the 8 year study period. Additionally, participants whose eyesight declined by relatively small amounts, especially at higher levels of vision loss, were expected to have a 16%increased risk of death. Researchers believe the vision loss could have been avoided if precautions were taken such as preventative care through eye exams and early detection as well as wearing appropriate eyewear to correct vision impairments.
What can we do?
- Help prevent vision loss with annual eye examinations.
- Wear your prescribed eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (if using contact lenses be sure to follow the wear schedule as advised by your eye care professional).
- If you have an eye disease, take precautions to keep your eyesight stable such as taking prescribed medication(s) and wearing sunglasses that are 100% UV A and B protected.
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking has been linked to eye diseases that can lead to vision loss such as diabetic retinopathy.
1 The study conducted included2,500 participants between the ages of 65 and 84 who were assessed at four points in time over an 8 year span.
