Visual factors should be assessed in older people presenting with falls or hip fracture

Visual impairment, although not routinely assessed, is an important risk factor for falls and hip fracture in older people. Impaired vision is highly prevalent and commonly unreported in the elderly population particularly in women and those living in nursing homes. Measurement of visual functions such as visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and depth perception may identify older people at risk of falls and hip fracture. Visual loss in older people is correctable in most cases. Intervention strategies, for example, change of glasses or cataract extraction may have the potential of improving visual function and preventing falls in older people.