Australian research finds relationship between visual acuity and cognition

Australian researchers have highlighted the value of regular sight tests as a new study shows a connection between deteriorating vision and cognitive decline.

The research, which was published in Aging and Mental Health, involved examining the relationship between changes in logMAR visual acuity and cognition over a 12-year period.

Among the 2281 participants, they found that deterioration in visual acuity significantly predicted multi-domain cognitive decline.

The authors emphasised that these findings highlight the need for visual screening and treatment for vision loss.

Research lead, Dr Nikki-Anne Wilson, a postdoctoral research fellow at Neuroscience Research Australia, highlighted that just as people are advised to regularly have their blood pressure checked, they should be having their vision examined too.

“While people are encouraged to get regular eye tests, this research highlights that vision checks are important from a cognitive perspective as well,” Wilson said.

The researchers found that social engagement partially mediated the relationship between changes in vision and cognition.

“We show for the first time that the relationship between a decline in vision and global cognitive performance may be partly explained by reduced social contact,” Wilson explained.

“People experiencing poorer vision may be more likely to avoid social events due to anxiety and this too may impact their cognitive performance. Our findings indicate the importance of maintaining social contact, not only because social isolation is a risk factor for dementia itself but also because it might also help to reduce the impact of other risk factors, such as poorer vision,” Wilson observed.