Vision Impairment and Blindness in New Brunswick Nursing Homes

Abstract

A vision assessment program carried out in all nursing homes examined 89.3 percent of all residents. Results provide documentation of vision loss and blindness in the sample. The data show increasing levels of vision loss and blindness with age. This study documents the contribution of such impairment to increasing levels of supervision and nursing care. It is also evident that increasing vision loss reduces mobility, thus limiting the range of physical and intellectual activities of aged persons. The major contributory factors to vision impairment are ocular and systemic diseases. The prevalence of these conditions is established. A need is demon­strated for provision of vision care in nursing homes. The study suggests that the application of available technology for vision assessment and remediation could restore or improve the visual capability of a substantial number of persons suffering from vision impairment or blindness. The presence of age related increases in intraocular pressure and previously undetected glaucoma offers preventive opportunity.