French study reveals unmet vision needs among elderly

New research published in JAMA Ophthalmology has examined the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in an elderly French population.

The study of 707 Bordeaux residents aged 78 and older found that 38% of those included within the research had an uncorrected refractive error.

The proportion of people with a refractive error was higher among those who were examined at home (49%).

Study participants who lived alone, held the perception that ophthalmologist fees were too expensive or thought that declining visual acuity is a normal part of ageing were all more likely to have an uncorrected refractive error.

The authors suggest raising awareness among older adults that visual impairment can be improved by adapted optical correction and highlighting that visual impairment is not necessarily a normal part of ageing.