Open AccessAging With Vision Loss: A Framework for Assessing the Impact of Visual Impairment on Older Adults
Author(s) -
Bonnielin K. Swenor,
Moon J. Lee,
Varshini Varadaraj,
Heather E. Whitson,
Pradeep Y. Ramulu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the gerontologist/the gerontologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.524
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1758-5341
pISSN - 0016-9013
DOI - 10.1093/geront/gnz117
Subject(s) - gerontology , healthy aging , affect (linguistics) , visual impairment , intervention (counseling) , psychology , geriatrics , successful aging , functional impairment , medicine , clinical psychology , psychiatry , communication
There is limited research examining the impact of visual impairment (VI) on older adults while considering the complexities of aging, leaving gaps in our understanding of how health consequences of VI might be averted. We created a framework integrating concepts from disability, geriatrics, and ophthalmology that conceptualizes how VI challenges successful aging. Here, VI influences multiple functional domains, and increases the risk of negative health outcomes. This model acknowledges that common causes, such as risk factors that affect eyes and other systems simultaneously, may also drive the relationship between VI and health outcomes. Finally, the model highlights how the impact of VI on aging outcomes can be addressed at multiple intervention points.