Dual visual impairment and contrast sensitivity among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study from the PrevQuedas Brazil trial / Duplo déficit visual e sensibilidade ao contraste em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal do PrevQuedas Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with eligible older adults (> 60 years old) living in the community and who suffered at least one fall in the last 12 months from the PrevQuedas Brasil clinical trial. Sociodemographic data, information on previous falls, physical and functional assessment (BOMFAQ and FES-I) were collected. We evaluated impairments in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the Snellen E chart and low-contrast visual acuity tests, respectively. Dual visual impairment refers to the presence of both impairments. For statistical analysis we compared the participants in relation to the number of falls (single fallers or recurrent fallers) using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and the significance level was <0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Visual acuity, low contrast sensitivity, and dual visual impairment were associated with recurrent falls (OR 1.85); visual impairment was more prevalent among the oldest old. Approximately 90% of the participants reported using glasses, and 63.80% used multifocal lenses. Dual impairment was identified in 143 (20.30%) participants. In multivariate logistic regression, the predictive variables for recurrent falls were low contrast sensitivity (95%CI 1.15­2.47), dual visual impairment (95%CI 1.16­2.83), and self-perceived fall risk (95%CI 1.16­2.46) which was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSION: Older adults with dual visual impairment are more likely to suffer recurrent falls. Low contrast sensitivity is crucial for fall risk assessment

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investiga a importância de avaliar a visão de idosos caidores na comunidade. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com idosos elegíveis (> 60 anos) residentes na comunidade e que sofreram pelo menos uma queda nos últimos 12 meses do ensaio clínico PrevQuedas Brasil. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre quedas pregressas, exames físicos e funcionais (BOMFAQ e FES-I). Avaliamos os comprometimentos da acuidade visual e da sensibilidade ao contraste por meio da Tabela E de Snellen e testes de acuidade visual de baixo contraste, respectivamente. O duplo déficit visual refere-se à presença de ambas as deficiências. Para análise estatística comparamos os idosos com relação ao número de quedas (caidores únicos ou caidores recorrentes) usando Qui-quadrado ou Teste exato de Fisher e o nível de significância foi <0.05 para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Baixa acuidade visual, baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual foram associados a quedas recorrentes com odds ratio ­ OR 1,85, frequentemente mais prevalente entre os idosos longevos. Cerca de 90,00% dos idosos relataram usar óculos e 63,80% usavam lentes multifocais. O duplo déficit visual foi identificado em 143 (20,30%) participantes. Nos modelos de regressão logística multivariados, verificamos que as variáveis preditoras para queda recorrente foram a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste (intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 1,15­2,47), duplo déficit (IC95% 1,16­2,83) e a autopercepção do risco de cair (IC95% 1,16­2,46) medido pela Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos com baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual têm maiores chances de sofrerem múltiplas quedas quando comparados com idosos que possuem apenas baixa acuidade visual. Assim, a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste é essencial na avaliação do risco de quedas dos idosos

Perfil clínico de pacientes dermatológicos encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica / Clinical profile of dermatological patients referred to ophthalmological evaluation

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico de pacientes em acompanhamento dermatológico encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica. Métodos: A amostra foi composta de pacientes dermatológicos encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica, nos anos de 2016 e de 2017. Estudou-se a concomitância de doenças dermatológicas com as afecções oftalmológicas por meio da coleta simultânea do histórico dermatológico (prontuários registrados com dados gerais e diagnóstico) e de dados da consulta oftalmológica após o encaminhamento. Resultados: Foram avaliados pela oftalmologia 224 pacientes, sendo 65% do sexo feminino, 80% caucasianos, com idade variando entre 1 mês e 85 anos. As situações cujo encaminhamento foi mais prevalente foram psoríase, lúpus, vitiligo e rosácea (18,3%, 13,8%, 12,9% e 10,7%, respectivamente). Fototerapia crônica e uso de hidroxicloroquina representaram 35,7% e 22,3% dos pacientes. Casos de neurofibromatose, micose fungoide, líquen plano, neoplasias de pele, atopias, pênfigo e esclerodermia também estiveram presentes. Cegueira legal foi detectada em 6%, e deficiências visuais ligadas a afecções dermatológicas foram verificadas em 16,5% dos casos. As alterações oculares mais prevalentes foram catarata (18,9%), blefarite (15,9%), pterígio (5,3%) e conjuntivite (5,3%). Conclusão: Encontrou-se elevada frequência de alterações oftalmológicas em uma população de pacientes com doenças dermatológicas. Assim, o estudo e a análise de manifestações oculares em pacientes dermatológicos podem auxiliar na detecção precoce e na prevenção de complicações.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the clinical profile of patients under dermatological care and referred to ophthalmological evaluation. Methods: The sample comprised dermatology patients referred to ophthalmological evaluation in 2016 and 2017. The simultaneous occurrence of skin and ophthalmic diseases was studied, by collecting dermatological history (medical records containing general data and diagnosis) and ophthalmic consultation data following referral. Results: A total of 224 patients were assessed, 65% were female, 80% were white, and age varied between one month and 85 years. The conditions more often referred were psoriasis, lupus, vitiligo and rosacea (18.3%, 13.8%, 12.9% and 10.7%, respectively). Chronic phototherapy and use of hydroxychloroquine were observed in 35.7% and 22.3% of patients, respectively. Cases of neurofibromatosis, mycosis fungoides, lichen planus, skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus and scleroderma were also reported. Legal blindness was detected in 6% and visual impairment related to skin conditions in 16.5% of patients. The most prevalent ocular changes were cataracts (18.9%), blepharitis (15.9%), pterygium (5.3%) and conjunctivitis (5.3%). Conclusion: A high frequency of ophthalmic changes in a population of dermatological patients was found. In this context, studying and analyzing ocular manifestations in dermatological patients could be useful in early detection and prevention of complications.

Condições de Saúde bucal e acuidade visual dos estudantes em um município do Baixo Amazonas / Condiciones de salud bucal y agudeza visual de estudiantes en una ciudad de Baixo Amazonas / Oral health and visual acuity conditions of students in a municipality of Baixo Amazonas

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência da cárie dentária e da deficiência visual nos escolares do ensino fundamental da rede pública de ensino de Barreirinha-AM e verificar os fatores associados a estas condições. Método Estudo transversal, com 1.828 estudantes entre 06 e 17 anos, da rede pública de ensino, Barreirinha. A avaliação da cárie dentária seguiu as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde utilizando os critérios estabelecidos para as condições dentárias, tanto para dentes decíduos, quanto para permanentes: cariados, perdidos e obturados. O índice Significant Caries Index mediu a severidade da cárie dentária nos indivíduos mais afetados com a doença. Realizou-se avaliação para acuidade visual e analisou-se idade, sexo e escola. Resultados Evidenciou-se elevada prevalência de cárie dentária, desigualdade em sua distribuição e associação entre esta doença e sexo (p = 0,005). A prevalência de dificuldades visuais entre os escolares foi baixa. Conclusão e implicações para prática O estudo sugere carência de tratamento odontológico restaurador e elevada prevalência de cárie dentária, evidenciando a necessidade de planejamento e desenvolvimento de ações de promoção de saúde bucal, com o intuito de minimizar os agravos provocados pela doença.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia de caries dentales y discapacidad visual en estudiantes de la enseñanza primaria del sistema escolar público de Barreirinha-AM, y verificar los factores asociados con estas condiciones. Método Estudio transversal realizado con 1.828 estudiantes entre 06 y 17 años, de escuelas públicas de Barreirinha-AM. La evaluación de las caries dentales siguió las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, utilizando los criterios establecidos para las condiciones dentales, tanto para dientes temporales como permanentes: cariados, perdidos y obturados. El índice Significant Caries Index midió la gravedad de la carie dental en las personas más afectadas por la enfermedad. Se realizó la evaluación para agudeza visual y se analizó edad, sexo y nivel educativo. Resultados Hubo alta prevalencia de carie dental, desigualdad en su distribución y asociación entre esta enfermedad y el sexo (p = 0,005). La prevalencia de dificultades visuales entre los estudiantes fue baja. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El estudio sugiere una carencia de tratamiento dental restaurador y una alta prevalencia de caries dentales, evidenciando la necesidad de planificación y desarrollo de acciones de promoción a la salud bucal, con el fin de minimizar los problemas ocasionados por la enfermedad.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and visual acuity deficiency in elementary school students of the public school system in the municipality of Barreirinha- AM and check the factors associated with these conditions. Method Cross-sectional study with 1,828 students aged 6 to 17 in the public school system of the municipality-of Barreirinha-AM. The dental cavity evaluation followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization using the established criteria for dental conditions, for deciduous as for permanent teeth: decayed, missing and filled. The Significant Caries Index was used to measure the dental caries severity in the individuals most affected by this disease. Visual acuity was assessed and age, sex and school were analyzed. Results It became evident high prevalence of dental cavities, inequality in its distribution, and relation between this disease and gender (p=0.005). The visual deficit frequency was low among the students. Conclusion and implications for practice The study indicates a lack of dental restoration treatment and high dental cavity prevalence, highlighting the need for planning and development of oral health promotion actions, with the purpose of minimizing the aggravations caused by the disease.

Associação entre diabetes mellitus e doenças oculares em pessoas com deficiência visual / Association between diabetes mellitus and eye diseases in people with visual impairment / Asociación entre diabetes mellitus y enfermedades oculares en personas con discapacidad visual

Objetivo: verificar associação entre diabetes mellitus e doenças oculares em pessoas com deficiência visual. Método: estudo transversal com 51 pessoas com diabetes e deficiência visual, em um centro de reabilitação visual do interior paulista, que participaram de entrevista estruturada, em 2018. Utilizou-se os testes: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Regressão de Poisson, Regressão de Logística Binária, e Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: a maioria das pessoas era cega e relatou que a retinopatia diabética, o glaucoma e a catarata foram causa da deficiência visual; com tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes acima de 109 meses. A catarata apresentou um nível de correlação baixa (r=0,280 e p=0,047), e a retinopatia diabética um nível de correlação moderada (r=0,565 e p=0,000), considerando o tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes. Conclusão: associação estatisticamente significante entre o tipo de diabetes e a retinopatia, e correlação estatisticamente significante entre o tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes, a catarata e a retinopatia diabética.

Objective: to verify the association between diabetes mellitus and eye diseases in people with visual impairment. Method: this cross-sectional study involved 51 people with diabetes and visual impairment at a Visual Rehabilitation Center in São Paulo, who participated in a structured interview in 2018. The tests used were: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Poisson Regression, Binary Logistic Regression, and Spearman Correlation. Results: most participants were blind, reported that diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts were the causes of their visual impairment, and had been diagnosed with diabetes over 109 months earlier. Cataract returned a low level of correlation with time with diagnosis of diabetes (r = 0.280 and p = 0.047), and diabetic retinopathy, moderate correlation (r = 0.565 and p = 0.000). Conclusion: a statistically significant association was found between type of diabetes and retinopathy, and statistically significant correlations between the time diagnosed with diabetes, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre diabetes mellitus y enfermedades oculares en personas con discapacidad visual. Método: este estudio transversal involucró a 51 personas con diabetes y discapacidad visual en un Centro de Rehabilitación Visual en São Paulo, quienes participaron en una entrevista estructurada en 2018.Las pruebas utilizadas fueron: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Regresión de Poisson, Regresión Logística Binaria y Spearman Correlación. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes eran ciegos, informaron que la retinopatía diabética, el glaucoma y las cataratas eran las causas de su discapacidad visual y habían sido diagnosticados con diabetes más de 109 meses antes. La catarata devolvió un bajo nivel de correlación con el tiempo con el diagnóstico de diabetes (r = 0,280 yp = 0,047) y la retinopatía diabética, correlación moderada (r = 0,565 yp = 0,000). Conclusión: se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre tipo de diabetes y retinopatía, y correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el tiempo de diagnóstico de diabetes, cataratas y retinopatía diabética.

Perfil de población con baja visión que asiste a la unidad de baja visión y rehabilitación visual en un hospital clínico de Chile / Low vision population assisting a unit of low vision and visual rehabilitation in a clinical hospital from Chile

El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar epidemiológica y sociodemográficamente a las personas atendidas en la Unidad de Baja Visión y Rehabilitación Visual del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. El método utilizado fue un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de los registros clínicos de las personas atendidas en la Unidad, entre marzo de 2015 a octubre de 2016. Para el análisis se utilizó el software MS Excel, calculando las frecuencias relativas y medidas de posición central y dispersión. En los resultados se observaron un mayor número de pacientes de sexo femenino (55,5%), y adultos mayores de 60 años o más (53,3%). El 73,3% de los pacientes pertenecieron al sistema de salud público y un 35,6% poseían menos de 8 años de estudio. El 80 % de las personas atendidas se encuentra en edad laboral, de éstos un 63,9% se encontraban laboralmente inactivos. Las enfermedades oftalmológicas con mayor frecuencia correspondieron a las enfermedades genéticas del ojo (22,2%) y la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (17,8%). Un 57,8% de los pacientes presentó alguna patología sistémica asociada a baja visión. Sólo un 6,0% recibió rehabilitación visual anteriormente. Se concluyó que la mayor prevalencia de enfermedades oculares asociadas al envejecimiento como la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad y enfermedades genéticas del ojo, sumado a las características sociodemográficas y en particular a que un 94% de los pacientes no habían tenido acceso a rehabilitación visual, constituyen un perfil que desafía al desarrollo de medidas de salud pública que resguarden la prevención, acceso y rehabilitación, siendo la formación de equipos multidisciplinarios especialistas una necesidad imperiosa.

This work aimed to do a characterization, epidemiological and socio demographical, to the people attended in a Low Vision and Rehabilitation Unit from a Clinical Hospital of the Universidad de Chile. A descriptive, transversal and retrospective method was used for the clinical registers of the people attended in the Unit, between March 2015 to October 2016. For the analysis, a MS Excel software was used, calculating the relative and measured frequencies of central position and dispersion. In the results, a greater number of feminine patients (55. 5%) were observed, and seniors of 60 years or more (53.3%). 73.3% of the patients belonging to the Public Health Care System and 35.6% had less than 8 years of studies. The 80% of attended patients were in working age, from this 63,9% were unemployed. The ophthalmological diseases with more frequency belonged to eye genetic diseases (22.2%) and macular degeneration related to age (17.8%). 57.8% of the patients presented a systematic pathology associated with low vision. Just 6.0% received previous visual rehabilitation. We concluded that the greater prevalence of ocular diseases associated to aging such as macular degeneration related to age and eye genetic diseases added to the sociodemographic features and particularly a 94% of the patients did not have access to visual rehabilitation, represent a profile that challenges the development public health care measures that safeguard the prevention, access, and rehabilitation, being an imperative need the making of specialist multidisciplinary teams.

Determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en caficultores de Caldas, Colombia / Social Determinants of Health and Visual Disease in Coffee Harvesters from Colombia

Introducción: Aunque existen iniciativas globales que buscan mejorar la salud visual en las poblaciones y alcanzar una mayor inclusión social de las personas afectadas con pérdida de la visión, coexisten barreras importantes como la poca accesibilidad y equidad de los servicios de salud y las diferencias económicas y de género que impiden obtener mejores indicadores. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre los determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en una comunidad de caficultores en el Departamento de Caldas, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional en el que participaron 1387 caficultores. La información se recolectó en el momento de la valoración por optometría. Se aplicó un cuestionario para explorar los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios y datos relacionados con salud visual. La asociación entre las variables fue establecida a través de la prueba de chi cuadrado. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 57 años ± 10,7 años, 77,3 por ciento hombres, el 97,2 por ciento pertenecía al estrato socioeconómico bajo y un 73 por ciento habían realizado estudios primarios. Las enfermedades visuales más frecuentes fueron los trastornos de refracción en un 85,7 por ciento, el principal diagnóstico fue la presbicia con una prevalencia de 75,8 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 73,5 por ciento; 78,03 por ciento). En el análisis bivariado se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre el diagnóstico de optometría y los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios: sexo, estado civil, grupo de edad, nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y ocupación. Conclusiones: La enfermedad visual en caficultores se encuentra influenciada por determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios, modificables con acciones intersectoriales y transectoriales como el nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y la ocupación, los que deben ser incorporados a las políticas públicas para mejorar su calidad de vida y reducir la ceguera prevenible(AU)

Introduction: Although there are global initiatives aimed at improving visual health in populations and at achieving greater social inclusion of people affected with vision loss, important barriers coexist such as poor accessibility and equity of healthcare services and economic and gender-related differences that prevent obtaining better indicators. Objective: To establish the association between the social determinants of health and visual disease in a community of coffee harvesters in the department of Caldas, Colombia. Methods: Descriptive and correlational study with the participation of 1,387 coffee harvesters. The information was collected at the time of optometric assessment. A questionnaire was applied to explore the structural and intermediate social determinants of health and data related to visual health. The association between the variables was established through the chi-square test. Results: The average age was 57 years ± 10.7 years, 77.3 percent were men, 97.2 percent belonged to the low socioeconomic stratum and 73 percent had completed elementary school. The most frequent visual diseases were refractive disorders, account ting for 85.7 percent; and the main diagnosis was presbyopia, with a prevalence of 75.8 percent (95 percent CI: 73.5 percent; 78.03 percent). The bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the diagnosis of optometry and the structural and intermediate social determinants of health: sex, marital status, age group, educational level, socioeconomic status, and occupation. Conclusions: Visual disease in coffee harvesters is influenced by structural and intermediate social determinants of health, modifiable with intersector and cross-sector actions such as educational level, socioeconomic stratum, and occupation, which must be incorporated into public policies to improve their quality of life and to reduce preventable blindness(AU)

Self-reported hearing loss and visual impairment in adults from Central Mexico / Autorreporte de pérdida auditiva y discapacidad visual en adultos del centro de México

Abstract: Objective: To determinate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) and visual impairment (VI) among adult population from Tlaxcala, Mexico. Materials and methods: A population-based cross-sectional study comprising persons 50 years and older was conducted in 2013. Self-reported HL was measured using the Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE) questionnaire; VI was determined using the Snellen tumbling E chart. Results: 900 women and 611 men (mean age 66.1 years) were included. 481(31.8%) individuals had HL (415 alone and 66 combined with VI). Prevalence of HL alone and together with VI was associated with age (per two years, OR=1.03 and OR=1.18, respectively) and self-reported poor health status (OR=1.90 and OR=3.69, respectively). Conclusion: The high prevalence of these disabilities calls for the implementation of public health interventions that help to reduce its impact in the population.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de discapacidad auditiva (DA) y visual (DV) en adultos del estado de Tlaxcala, México. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal de base poblacional realizado en 2013 que incluye sujetos ≥50 años de edad. La DA se evaluó por autorreporte con el cuestionario Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE); la DV se midió usando la cartilla E rotatoria de Snellen. Resultados: Se evaluaron 900 mujeres y 611 hombres (media=66.1 años). El 31.8% (481) tenía DA (415 sola y 66 con DV). La prevalencia de DA sola o con DV se asoció con edad (por cada dos años, RM=1.03 y RM=1.18, respectivamente) y con autorreporte del estado de salud deficiente (RM=1.90 y RM=3.69, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Se requiere la implementación de intervenciones en salud pública que reduzcan el impacto de estas dos condiciones en la población.

Barriers between community screening for visual problems and treatments in a tertiary center

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile ophthalmic unit screenings and to investigate barriers between community care and resolution of the problem at a tertiary center. METHODS This prospective study evaluated a convenience sample from 10 municipalities in São Paulo State, Brazil. Patients were assessed in the municipality by a mobile ophthalmic unit and underwent a complete ophthalmic consultation. Patients were referred as warranted to a tertiary hospital. RESULTS The mobile ophthalmic unit screened 1,928 individuals and 714 (37%) were referred. The mean age of the referred patients was 57.12 (SD = 19.5) years with best corrected visual acuity of 0.37 (SD = 0.36) logMAR. Forty-seven (6.6%) patients were blind and 185 (26.5%) were visually impaired. Cataracts (44.7%) and pterygium (14.7%) accounted for most referrals. Of those referred, 67.1% presented to the tertiary center. The diagnosis by the mobile ophthalmic unit corresponded to the one by the tertiary center in 88.5% of the cases. There were a significantly higher number of blind and visually impaired persons among those who presented to the hospital. There was a significantly greater attendance among patients living in more distant municipalities from the reference center with a higher number of inhabitants and a greater number of ophthalmologists in the cities of origin (p < 0.05, all comparisons). Complete treatment was performed in 65.6% of patients, and loss to follow-up was the main cause of incomplete treatment in 50.7% of patients. A total of 313 cataract surgeries were performed, which reduced the number of blind patients from 20 to 2 and of visually impaired individuals from 87 to 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only 37% of the patients assessed by a mobile ophthalmic unit required referral to a tertiary hospital. Among the referred patients, 67.1% presented to the hospital, and complete resolution after treatment was approximately 65.5%. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and a reduction in the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment postoperatively.

Vision status, ophthalmic assessment, and quality of life in the very old / Visão, avaliação oftalmológica e qualidade de vida em longevos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the vision status, ophthalmic findings, and quality of life among the very elderly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study of individuals aged 80 years and above. A comprehensive ophthalmic exam was performed with mea surement of both the presenting (PVA) and best-corrected visual acuity. The Quality of Life Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) were also administered. Results: A total of 150 non-institutionalized participants were assigned to three age groups: 80-89 years (n=70), 90-99 years (n=50), and 100 years and older (n=30). PVA and best-corrected visual acuity were normal (≥20/30) in 20 (13.3%) and 37 participants (24.7%), respectively. Regarding PVA, mild visual impairment (<20/30 to ≥20/60) was found in in 53 (35.4%), moderate visual impairment (<20/60 to ≥20/200) in 50 (33.3%), severe visual impairment (<20/200 to ≥20/400) in 8 (5.3%), and blindness (<20/400) in 19 (12.7%) participants. Regarding best-corrected visual acuity, mild, moderate, and severe visual impairments were present in 55 (36.7%), 38 (25.3%), and 5 (3.3%) participants, respectively, and blindness was present in 15 (10%). The main causes of visual impairment/blindness were cataract (43.8%), refractive errors (21.5%), age-related macular degeneration (17.7%), and myopic degeneration (3.8%). SF-36 scores were worse in those with low visual acuity, while VFQ-25 domain scores were poorer in those with vision impairment/blindness. Conclusion: Vision impairment and blindness was present in three-quarters of this sample, but it was notable that adequate correction with spectacles improved visual acuity. This reinforces the need for regular ophthalmic care in elderly patients to improve their quality of life by optimizing vision.

RESUMO Objetivos: Determinar a visão, achados oftalmológicos e qualidade de vida em longevos. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal em indivíduos com idade entre 80 anos ou mais. Realizado exame oftalmológico com medida da acuidade visual apresentada e da acuidade visual melhor corrigida. Foram administrados os questionários: Qualidade de Vida Forma Curta - 36 (SF-36) e Qualidade de Função Visual (VFQ-25). Resultados: Total de 150 indivíduos não-institucionalizados foram estudados, divididos em três faixas etárias: 80 a 89 anos (n=70); 90 a 99 anos (n=50) e 100 anos ou mais (n=30). Acuidade visual apresentada normal (≥20/30) foi encontrada em 20 (13,3%) participantes; deficiência visual leve (<20/30 a ≥20/60), em 53 (35,4%); deficiência visual moderada (< 20/60 a ≥20/200) em 50 (33,3%); deficiência visual grave (<20/200 para ≥20/400) em 8 (5,3%) e cegueira (<20/400) em 19 (12,7%). A acuidade visual com a melhor correção aumentou para 37 (24,7%) indivíduos normais; deficiência leve aumentou para 55 (36,7%); deficiência visual moderada diminuiu para 38 (25,3%); deficiência visual grave foi reduzida para 5 (3,3%) e cegueira foi reduzida para 15 (10%). As principais causas de deficiência visual/cegueira foram: catarata (43,8%) erro refrativo (21,5%), degeneração macular relacionada à idade (17,7%), e degeneração miópica (3,8%). A pontuação no Questionário de Qualidade de Vida foi pior naqueles com baixa visão para perto. No questionário VFQ -25 os domínios com menor pontuação ocorreram nos indivíduos com baixa visão/cegueira. Conclusão: Deficiência visual/cegueira mostrou-se presente em três quartos desta amostra de longevos. A prescrição de óculos adequados proporcionou melhora da acuidade visual, reforçando a necessidade de atendimento oftalmológico regular desses pacientes para assegurar a qualidade de vida e de visão.

Fatores associados à recorrência de quedas em uma coorte de idosos / Factors associated with recurrent falls in a cohort of older adults

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar os fatores associados à recorrência de quedas de idosos na comunidade em Cuiabá. Estudo epidemiológico, prospectivo, de coorte concorrente e seguimento de dois anos, por meio de inquéritos domiciliares em 2012 e em 2013, utilizaram-se os programas Epi Info e SPSS. Na análise bivariada buscou-se associações entre os fatores de risco e a recorrência de quedas pelo cálculo do risco relativo das incidências cumulativas (IC 95%). A análise múltipla foi realizada pela Regressão de Poisson, sendo incluídas todas as variáveis que apresentaram associações com p valor < 0,20 a partir das análises brutas. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 0,05 como de associação estatisticamente significante para a permanência no modelo final. Dos idosos, 77,6% sofreram recorrência de quedas. Mantiveram-se associadas com significância estatística as variáveis renda do idoso de até 2 salários mínimos (RR = 1,62; IC95% 1,04-1,77), ausência de artrite ou artrose (RR = 1,32; IC95% 1,10-1,48), ter regular e péssima autopercepção de saúde (RR = 1,44; IC95% 1,12-2,04) e ter problema de visão (RR = 1,23; IC95% = 1,01 -1,69). As quedas de idosos estão associadas com baixa escolaridade, autopercepção da saúde regular ou péssima e presença de problemas de visão e recorrência de quedas.

Abstract Objective To analyze the factors associated with recurrent falls in community-dwelling older adults from Cuiabá. Methods This is an epidemiological, prospective, concurrent cohort study with a two-year follow-up. In-home surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013. The data were treated by the software Epi Info and SPSS. Bivariate analysis investigated associations between risk factors and recurrent falls by calculating the relative risk (RR) of the cumulative incidences with a confidence interval of 95% (95%CI). Multiple analysis with Poisson regression included all variables with p < 0.20 in the crude analyses. The significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was adopted as significant association for remaining in the final model. Results Most older adults (77.6%) had recurrent falls. The variables significantly associated with recurrent falls were older adult’s income of up to two minimum salaries (RR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.04-1.77), absence of arthritis or arthrosis (RR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.10-1.48), having regular to very bad self-perceived health (RR = 1.44; 95%CI 1.12-2.04), and having visual impairment (RR = 1.23; 95%CI 1.01 -1.69). Conclusions Falls in older adults are associated with low education levels, regular to very bad self-perceived health, visual impairment, and recurrent falls.

Association between visual impairment and depression in the elderly: a systematic review / Associação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT A systematic review was conducted to investigate the relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly. We searched electronic databases (LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception to August 2014 and researched the described references. The search strategy used the following terms: (visual impairment or blindness) and (elderly) and (depression). Of the 641 electronics, 42 works were selected in full and another 20 were identified as being possibly relevant. Ten studies were included. The studies ranged in sample size from 31 to 21,995 participants. Depression was associated with visual impairment in all studies; however, without standardization of diagnostic tests, we could not conduct a meta-analysis or establish a relationship between visual impairment and depression in the elderly.

RESUMO A revisão sistemática foi realizada para investigar a correlaçõa entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos. Foram pesquisados nas bases eletrônicas (LILACS, SCIELO, MEDLINE e Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) do início até agosto de 2014 e pesquisas de referências descritas. A estratégia de busca utilizou os termos: (deficiência visual ou cegueira) e (idosos) e (depressão). Dos 641 eletrônicos, 42 trabalhos na íntegra foram selecionados e mais 20 trabalhos foram identificados como possivelmente relevantes da lista destes. Do total de estudos, 10 foram incluidos. Os estudos variaram entre 31 e 21.995 participantes. A depressão foi relacionada com deficiência visual em todos os estudos, mas sem padronização de testes diagnósticos não foi possível realizar a metanálise, nem estabelecer relação entre deficiência visual e depressão em idosos.

Prevalencia de trastornos visuales y su relación con la funcionalidad en adultos mayores / Prevalence of visual disorders and their relationship with functionality of the older adults

Objetivo: determinar la relación entre los trastornos visuales y el grado de funcionalidad en los adultos mayores. Métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y descriptivo, realizado en la Clínica de Especialidades Churubusco, de la Ciudad de México. Muestra no probabilística en pacientes mayores de 60 años quienes acudieron al Servicio de Consulta Externa de Oftalmología para su valoración. Se identificaron patologías oculares y se determinó la funcionalidad para las actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria, por medio del Índice de Barthel y la Escala de Lawton y Brody, respectivamente. Se utilizaron las pruebas de U de Mann Whitney y Kruskall-Wallis. Nivel de significancia 0,05 y programa estadístico SPSS versión 18. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 70,94 años. El 70,1 por ciento correspondió al sexo femenino. Prevalecieron el glaucoma (62,8 por ciento), las cataratas (32,3 por ciento), la retinopatía diabética (15,1 por ciento) y la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (13,3 por ciento). En relación con las comorbilidades, el 45,6 pr ciento de los pacientes reportó diabetes mellitus, de los cuales el 33 por ciento presentó retinopatía diabética. Al relacionar los trastornos oculares y la funcionalidad se obtuvo significancia estadística entre las actividades instrumentadas de la vida diaria con retinopatía diabética (p= 0,009) y con degeneración macular (p= 0,037). Conclusiones: la retinopatía y la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad afectan la realización de las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria en los adultos mayores, por lo que es importante el diagnóstico y el tratamiento oportuno, sobre todo en pacientes con factores de riesgo como la diabetes mellitus(AU)

Encuesta de ceguera y deficiencia visual evitable en Panamá / Survey on avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Panama

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de ceguera y deficiencia visual en adultos de 50 años o más de Panamá, identificar sus principales causas y caracterizar la oferta de servicios de salud ocular. MÉTODOS: Estudio poblacional transversal mediante la metodología estándar de evaluación rápida de ceguera evitable. Se seleccionaron 50 personas de 50 años o más de cada uno de 84 conglomerados escogidos mediante muestreo aleatorio representativo de todo el país. Se evaluó la agudeza visual (AV) mediante una cartilla de Snellen y el estado del cristalino y del polo posterior por oftalmoscopía directa. Se calculó la cobertura de cirugía de catarata y se evaluó su calidad, así como las causas de tener AV < 20/60 y las barreras para acceder al tratamiento quirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Se examinaron 4 125 personas (98,2% de la muestra calculada). La prevalencia de ceguera ajustada por la edad y el sexo fue de 3,0% (intervalo de confianza de 95%: 2,3-3,6). La principal causa de ceguera fue la catarata (66,4%), seguida del glaucoma (10,2%). La catarata (69,2%) fue la principal causa de deficiencia visual (DV) severa y los errores de refracción no corregidos fueron la principal causa de DV moderada (60,7%). La cobertura quirúrgica de catarata en personas fue de 76,3%. De todos los ojos operados de catarata, 58,0% logró una AV < 20/60 con la corrección disponible. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de ceguera en Panamá se ubica en un nivel medio con respecto a la encontrada en otros países de la Región. Es posible disminuir este problema, ya que 76,2% de los casos de ceguera y 85,0% de los casos de DV severa corresponden a causas evitables.

OBJECTIVE: Determine prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in adults aged > 50 years in Panama, identify their main causes, and characterize eye health services. METHODS: Cross-sectional population study using standard Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology. Fifty people aged > 50 years were selected from each of 84 clusters chosen through representative random sampling of the entire country. Visual acuity was assessed using a Snellen chart; lens and posterior pole status were assessed by direct ophthalmoscopy. Cataract surgery coverage was calculated and its quality assessed, along with causes of visual acuity < 20/60 and barriers to access to surgical treatment. RESULTS: A total of 4 125 people were examined (98.2% of the calculated sample). Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 3.0% (95% CI: 2.3-3.6). The main cause of blindness was cataract (66.4%), followed by glaucoma (10.2%). Cataract (69.2%) was the main cause of severe visual impairment and uncorrected refractive errors were the main cause of moderate visual impairment (60.7%). Surgical cataract coverage in individuals was 76.3%. Of all eyes operated for cataract, 58.0% achieved visual acuity < 20/60 with available correction. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of blindness in Panama is in line with average prevalence found in other countries of the Region. This problem can be reduced, since 76.2% of cases of blindness and 85.0% of cases of severe visual impairment result from avoidable causes.

Encuestas nacionales de ceguera y deficiencia visual evitables en Argentina, El Salvador, Honduras, Panamá, Perú y Uruguay / National surveys of avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Argentina, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay

OBJETIVO: Describir la justificación y metodología usadas en la Evaluación Rápida de Ceguera Evitable empleada para efectuar encuestas a nivel nacional entre 2011 y 2013 en Argentina, El Salvador, Honduras, Panamá, Perú y Uruguay. MÉTODOS: La encuesta se dirige a personas de 50 años o más, lo que reduce al mínimo los requisitos de tamaño de la muestra, que oscila entre 2 000 y 5 000 personas. Se emplean sistemas simples de muestreo y técnicas de examen; el análisis de datos es automático y no requiere de un experto en estadística. Es relativamente económica, ya que no toma mucho tiempo, no requiere equipos oftalmológicos costosos y puede ser llevada a cabo por el personal local. Los informes son generados mediante el propio programa informático de la evaluación. RESULTADOS: Los indicadores generados son la prevalencia de la ceguera y la deficiencia visual severa y moderada (discriminadas por causas evitables y cataratas); la prevalencia de afaquia o pseudofaquia; la cobertura de la cirugía de cataratas; el resultado visual de las cirugías de cataratas; las causas de resultados malos; las barreras de acceso a la cirugía de cataratas; y los indicadores de servicio de la cirugía de cataratas. Los resultados de cada una de las encuestas serán publicados de manera secuencial en números sucesivos de la revista, y en un artículo final de resumen se hará un análisis de los resultados en su conjunto y comparativo entre las encuestas y con aquellas publicadas anteriormente, que aportará un estado de la situación actual en ese grupo de países. CONCLUSIONES: La Evaluación Rápida de Ceguera Evitable es una metodología sólida, sencilla y económica para determinar la prevalencia de ceguera y deficiencia visual y la cobertura y calidad de los servicios de salud ocular, y representa una herramienta muy valiosa para medir el progreso de los programas de prevención de la ceguera y su impacto en la población.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the rationale and methodology of the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness applied in surveys at the national level in 2011-2013 in Argentina, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. METHODS: The survey includes individuals aged 50 years and older, minimizing required sample sizes, which vary from 2 000 to 5 000 people. It uses straightforward sampling and examination techniques, and data analysis is automatic and does not require a statistician. It is relatively inexpensive, as it does not take a long time, does not require expensive ophthalmic equipment, and can be carried out by local staff. Reports are generated by the assessment software package. RESULTS: Indicators measured are prevalence of blindness and of moderate and severe visual impairment (broken down into avoidable causes and cataracts); prevalence of aphakia or pseudophakia; cataract surgical coverage; visual outcome of cataract surgeries; causes of poor outcomes; access barriers to cataract surgery; and cataract surgery service indicators. Results of each survey will be published sequentially in successive issues of the Journal, and a final summary article will analyze results as a whole and in comparison with the other surveys in this group and with those previously published, which will provide a current picture of the situation in this group of countries. CONCLUSIONS: The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness is a robust, simple, and inexpensive methodology to determine prevalence of blindness and visual impairment as well as eye health service coverage and quality. It is a very valuable tool for measuring progress by blindness prevention programs and their impact on the population.

Rapid assessment of avoidable blindness in Uruguay: results of a nationwide survey / Evaluación rápida de la ceguera evitable en Uruguay: resultados de un estudio a escala nacional

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and describe the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in older adults living in Uruguay. METHODS: All individuals aged ≥ 50 years old living in randomly selected clusters were eligible to participate. In each census enumeration unit selected, 50 residents aged 50 years and older were chosen to participate in the study using compact segment sampling. The study participants underwent visual acuity (VA) measurement and lens examination; those with presenting VA (PVA) < 20/60 also underwent direct ophthalmoscopy. Moderate visual impairment (MVI) was defined as PVA < 20/60-20/200, severe visual impairment (SVI) was defined as PVA < 20/200-20/400, and blindness was defined as PVA < 20/400, all based on vision in the better eye with available correction. RESULTS: Out of 3 956 eligible individuals, 3 729 (94.3%) were examined. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 0.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5-1.3). Cataract (48.6%) and glaucoma (14.3%) were the main causes of blindness. Prevalence of SVI and MVI was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) and 7.9% (95% CI: 6.0-9.7) respectively. Cataract was the main cause of SVI (65.7%), followed by uncorrected refractive error (14.3%), which was the main cause of MVI (55.2%). Cataract surgical coverage was 76.8% (calculated by eye) and 91.3% (calculated by individual). Of all eyes operated for cataract, 70.0% could see ≥ 20/60 and 15.3% could not see 20/200 post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of blindness in Uruguay is low compared to other Latin American countries, but further reduction is feasible. Due to Uruguay's high cataract surgical coverage and growing proportion of people ≥ 50 years old, the impact of posterior pole diseases as a contributing factor to blindness might increase in future.

OBJETIVO: Investigar y describir la prevalencia y las causas de la ceguera y de la discapacidad visual moderada y grave en los adultos mayores residentes en Uruguay. MÉTODOS: Todas las personas de 50 años o más que vivían en los agrupamientos seleccionados aleatoriamente reunían los requisitos para participar. En cada unidad de enumeración censal seleccionada, se escogieron 50 residentes de = 50 años de edad para participar en el estudio mediante el empleo de un muestreo por segmentos compactos. Los participantes fueron sometidos a una medición de la agudeza visual (AV) y a un examen del cristalino; los que mostraban una AV de presentación (AVP) < 20/60 también fueron sometidos a oftalmoscopia directa. La discapacidad visual moderada (DVM) se definió como una AVP < 20/60–20/200, la discapacidad visual grave (DVG) como una AVP < 20/200–20/400, y la ceguera como una AVP< 20/400, todas ellas basadas en la visión del ojo que obtuvo un mejor resultado con la corrección disponible. RESULTADOS: De las 3 956 personas que reunieron los requisitos, se examinaron 3 729 (94,3%). La prevalencia ajustada por edad y sexo de la ceguera fue de 0,9% (intervalo de confianza (IC) de 95%: 0,5–1,3). La catarata (48,6%) y el glaucoma (14,3%) fueron las principales causas de ceguera. La prevalencia de la DVG y la DVM fue de 0,9% (IC de 95%: 0,5–1,3) y 7,9% (IC de 95%: 6,0–9,7), respectivamente. La catarata fue la causa principal de DVG (65,7%), seguida del error de refracción no corregido (14,3%), que fue la principal causa de DVM (55,2%). La cobertura quirúrgica de la catarata fue de 76,8% (calculada por ojo) y de 91,3% (calculada por persona). De todos los ojos operados de catarata, 70,0% presentaba una agudeza visual de = 20/60 y 15,3% tenía una agudeza visual < 20/200 después de la intervención quirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: En Uruguay, la prevalencia de la ceguera es baja en comparación con otros países latinoamericanos, pero es factible lograr una reducción adicional. Como consecuencia de la alta cobertura quirúrgica de la catarata y la creciente proporción de personas de = 50 años en Uruguay, la repercusión de las enfermedades de la cámara ocular posterior como factor contribuyente a la ceguera podría aumentar en el futuro.

Magnitud de la discapacidad en Boyacá, Colombia / The scale of disability in the Boyacá Department in Colombia

Objetivo El propósito del presente artículo es presentar la magnitud de la discapacidad en el Departamento de Boyacá a través del establecimiento de sus distribuciones y relaciones de dependencia. Materiales y Métodos Estudio de corte transversal, donde el instrumento empleado fue el propuesto por el DANE para el registro, localización y caracterización de la discapacidad. Se realiza un análisis univariado y bivariado para las 89 preguntas del instrumento. Resultados Se encontró una mayor proporción de discapacidad en mujeres, con ubicación geográfica en el área rural dispersa, con bajos niveles educativos y de participación. Predomino la deficiencia del movimiento de cuerpo, manos, brazos y piernas, así como la dificultad para caminar, correr y saltar. Conclusión Se concluye que existe una dependencia estadísticamente significativa calculada a través del Chi cuadrado de Pearson, entre el fenómeno y los factores sociales, culturales y biológicos.

Objective This paper was aimed at ascertaining the magnitude of disability in the Boyacá Department by establishing its distribution and dependent relationships. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study which involved using the instrument proposed by DANE for recording, localizing and characterizing disability. The instrument's 89 questions were subjected to univariate and bivariate analysis. Results A greater prevalence of disability was found amongst females; it was geographically located in scattered rural areas and amongst those having low educational attainment and poor attendance at school. A deficiency in body, hand, arm and leg movements predominated, as did difficulty in walking, running and jumping. Conclusions There was a statistically significant dependence (calculated by Pearson's chi-square test) between disability and social, cultural and biological factors.

Condições visuais autorrelatadas e quedas em idosos institucionalizados / Self-reported visual conditions and falls in institutionalized elderly

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as condições visuais autorrelatadas por idosos institucionalizados e sua relação com acidentes por quedas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo em que foram entrevistados 59 idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos, em Goiânia, GO, entre 2005 e 2007. Foram realizados dois inquéritos com intervalo de dois anos para realização das avaliações propostas. As condições visuais no primeiro inquérito e o relato de quedas no seguimento foram autorrelatadas. Os idosos foram classificados segundo a presença de déficit visual e comparados quanto à ocorrência de queda com o teste Exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Déficit visual foi relatado por 48 (81,4 por cento) dos idosos e os acidentes por quedas atingiram 32 (54,2 por cento) dos mesmos, sendo estes mais prevalentes entre idosos com déficit visual. Após o primeiro inquérito, no seguimento de dois anos, não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,171) entre a variável déficit visual autorrelatado e quedas. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados encontrados sinalizam a necessidade de melhor investigação clínica oftalmológica dos idosos. O diagnóstico precoce de comprometimentos visuais e/ou a correção dos mesmos pode beneficiar os idosos e evitar prejuízos funcionais futuros advindos destes e de consequências como as quedas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the visual conditions self-reported by institutionalized elderly and their relation to accidental falls. METHODS: Prospective study in which we interviewed 59 elderly residents of long-stay institutions for elderly in Goiânia, between 2005 and 2007. Two surveys were conducted with an interval of two years to perform the assessments proposed. The visual conditions in the first survey and the report of falls in the wake were self-reported. The elderly were classified according to the presence of visual impairment and compared the occurrence of fall with the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Visual deficit was reported by 48 (81.4 percent) of the elderly and accidents from falls reached 32 (54.2 percent) of them; which were more prevalent among older adults with visual impairment. After the first inquiry, in the following two years, found no statistically significant difference (p = 0.171) between the variable self-reported visual impairment and falls. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for better research ophthalmology clinic for the elderly. Early diagnosis of visual impairment and / or correct it can benefit the elderly and to avoid future functional impairment arising from these and consequences such as falls.

Prevalencia de dependencia funcional y su asociación con caídas en una muestra de adultos mayores pobres en México / Functional dependency and falls in elderly living in poverty in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de la dependencia funcional (DF) de los adultos mayores (AM) que viven en condiciones de pobreza en México, y estimar la asociación entre la DF y las caídas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta con tres etapas de selección, con estratificación según tipo de localidad (rural o urbana) y con representatividad nacional del padrón de Oportunidades 2006. La población objetivo estuvo conformada por individuos de 70 años y más, beneficiarios del Programa Oportunidades. RESULTADOS: El 30.9 por ciento de los AM presentaron DF. Los resultados del modelo de regresión logística estratificado por sexo mostraron que, en el grupo de mujeres, la razón de momios RM para la asociación entre el incremento en el número de caídas y DF fue de 1.25 (IC:1.13-1.39), y en el grupo de hombres fue de 1.12 (IC:0.97-1.29). CONCLUSIONES: Debido a las condiciones de vulnerabilidad en que viven estos adultos mayores, se muestra la necesidad de realizar intervenciones específicas para la prevención de caídas de manera que se disminuya el riesgo de dependencia funcional.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of functional dependency (FD) on Mexican elderly living in extreme poverty conditions and to estimate the association between falls and FD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was conducted with three stages for selection, stratified by type of locality (rural or urban) and nationally representative of the 2006 Oportunidades Program. The target population was composed of individuals 70 years of age and older who were beneficiaries of the Oportunidades Program. RESULTS: A total of 30.9 percent of the elderly presented FD. The gender stratified logistic regression model resulted in an odds ratio (OR) for women of 1.25 (I.C:1.13-1.39) for the association between the increase in the number of falls and FD and OR=1.12 (I.C:0.97-1.29) for men. CONCLUSIONS: Given the vulnerable conditions in which these older adults live, specific interventions need to be implemented to prevent falls in order to reduce the risk of functional dependency.

Causes of visual loss and their risk factors: an incidence summary from the Barbados Eye Studies / Causas de la pérdida visual y sus factores de riesgo: resumen de la incidencia a partir de los Estudios de Oftalmología de Barbados

Objectives: To summarize incidence and risk factors for each main cause of visual loss in an African-Caribbean population and discuss the implications of these data from a public health perspective. Methods: A nationally representative cohort (n = 4 709; ages 40-84 years at baseline) had ophthalmic and other examinations over 9 years. Incidence rates were estimated by the product-limit approach. Risk factors were evaluated from Cox regression models. Results: Average incidence was ~ 0.1 percent per year for blindness (< 6/120) and 0.7 percent per year for low vision (< 6/18 to 6/120), increasing steeply with age (P < 0.05) and affecting related quality of life (P < 0.05). Age-related cataract and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) accounted for 73.2 percent of blindness and diabetic retinopathy (DR) for 8.9 percent; cataract caused two-thirds of low vision. Average incidence was 5.1 percent per year for all lens changes (gradable/ungradable opacities or aphakia) and 0.4 percent per year for cataract surgery. Incidence of definite OAG was 0.5 percent per year (0.9 percent for suspect or probable); 53 percent of the affected were unaware. Persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) had a DR incidence of 4.4 percent per year. Age-related macular degeneration was rare (0.08 percent per year). Main cataract risk factors were age and DM. OAG incidence increased with age, intraocular pressure, family history, low ocular perfusion pressures, and thinner corneas. DR risk increased with early DM onset, DM duration, oral/insulin treatment, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and hyperglycemia. Antihypertensive treatment halved DR risk. Conclusions: Incidence of visual impairment was high and significantly affected quality of life. Age-related cataract and OAG caused ~ 75 percent of blindness, indicating the need for public health action to increase appropriate cataract surgery and early OAG detection and treatment. Controlling DM and hypertension would help prevent...

Objetivo: Presentar un resumen de la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de cada causa principal de pérdida de la visión en una población afrocaribeña y examinar las implicaciones de estos datos desde una perspectiva de salud pública. Métodos: En una cohorte representativa al nivel nacional (n = 4 709; edades de 40 a 84 años al inicio) se hicieron exploraciones oftálmicas y de otros tipos durante nueve años. Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia mediante el método del producto-límite. Los factores de riesgo se evaluaron mediante modelos de regresión de Cox. Resultados: La incidencia promedio fue ~ 0,1 por ciento al año para la ceguera (< 6/120) y de 0,7 por ciento al año para la visión deficiente (< 6/18 a 6/120), que aumentó de manera pronunciada con la edad (P < 0,05) y afectó a la calidad de vida relacionada (P < 0,05). Las cataratas y el glaucoma de ángulo abierto relacionados con la edad representaron 73,2 por ciento de los casos de ceguera, y 8,9 por ciento de los casos de retinopatía diabética; las cataratas causaron dos tercios de los casos de visión deficiente. La incidencia media fue de 5,1 por ciento al año en todos los cambios del cristalino (opacidades graduables o no graduables o afaquia), y de 0,4 por ciento al año en la cirugía de cataratas. La incidencia del glaucoma de ángulo abierto definitivo fue de 0,5 por ciento al año (0,9 por ciento en el caso de la sospecha o la probabilidad); 53 por ciento de los pacientes afectados no era conciente. Las personas que padecían diabetes tenían una incidencia de retinopatía diabética de 4,4 por ciento al año. La degeneración macular relacionada con la edad fue muy infrecuente (0,08 por ciento al año). Los principales factores de riesgo de las cataratas fueron la edad y la diabetes. La incidencia de glaucoma de ángulo abierto aumentó con la edad, la presión intraocular, los antecedentes familiares, las presiones bajas de perfusión ocular y el grosor más fino de la córnea. El riesgo de retinopatía...

Quedas relacionadas a distúrbios visuais na população idosa / Falls related visual disorders in aged population

Objetivo: Informar os profissionais de saúde sobre o papel da visão na estabilidade postural do idoso e as principais alterações visuais que acometem este específico, alertando-os para a importância da detecção precoce e do tratamento destes agravos na prevenção das quedas. Método: Estudo da revisão em sites médicos, no qual foram incluídos 14 artigos originais e seis artigos de revisão, versando sobre a relação entre distúrbios visuais e quedas em idosos. Resultados: Todos os artigos selecionados relataram a importância do sistema visual na manutenção da estabilidade postural e na prevenção das quedas em idosos. A capacidade visual dos gerontes está associada à sua independência funcional, autonomia e qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A função visual tem importante participação na manutenção do equilíbrio corporal dos idosos, sendo que a detecção precoce das alterações visuais tratáveis e a adaptação dos ambientes às dificuldades dos idosos contribuem para a prevenção das quedas.