Vision Loss is a major contributor to Falls for Older Adults

Many Arizona transplants from colder climates migrated to warmer weather to avoid bone chilling weather, shoveling snow, slippery sidewalks, as well as other hazardous road conditions. However, while Southern Arizona may have less ice and snow, substantially reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling, loss of vision can be a major component to increased falls for older adults.

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, revealed that peripheral visual field loss is the primary vision component that increases the risk of falls. The article, "Visual Field Loss Increases the Risk of Falls in Older Adults: The Salisbury Eye Evaluation" examined which visual deficits were most closely associated with falls. The study was primarily conducted at John Hopkins School of Medicine's Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, MD. This study found that for each 10 percent loss in visual field, study participants had an 8 percent higher likelihood of falling.

The other visual components tested were visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity. The authors concluded that visual fields were associated with falling risk, while the other components were not relevant. The central vision, which primarily indicates macular health, was not statistically significant. Only the peripheral vision, which indicates health of the retina, the back of the eye, was associated with fall risk.

Dr. Zuraida Zainalabidin states possible symptoms of a patient with a retinal detachment may include stumbling, general clumsiness, often running into the wall, and difficulty walking in a straight line. There are certainly a myriad of other possible causes, but the best way to rule out a retinal detachment is by a dilated eye exam. The Phoenix Suns NBA star Amare Stoudemire was recently lost for the season, due to a partially detached retina that required surgery.

If one experiences 'Floaters and/or Flashes' they should contact an eye care professional right away, as this may indicate an abnormality of the retina. Floaters are tiny clumps of gel or cellular debris within the vitreous, the clear, jellylike fluid that fills the inside cavity of the eye. Flashes are an illusion created in your eye when layers in the retina separate.

These conditions typically start during the earlier stages of a retina hole or tear, and usually worsen with a retinal detachment. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency, and can result in permanent vision loss. If you or anyone you know experience any of these symptoms, seek medical treatment right away.

Retinal detachments can occur at any age, but are more common after 40 years of age. Factors which are more likely to increase the likelihood of a retinal detachment are being extremely nearsighted, a family history, cataract surgery, inflammatory eye conditions, and an eye injury.