Scientific Publications Database
Article Title: Interaction Between Visual Acuity and Peripheral Vascular Disease with BalanceAuthors: Vafaei, Afshin; Aubin, Marie-Josee; Buhrmann, Ralf; Kergoat, Marie-Jeanne; Aljied, Rumaisa; Freeman, Ellen E.
Journal: JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY Volume 66 Issue 10
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
ObjectivesTo determine whether visual acuity is related to balance in older adults with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or diabetes mellitus.DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingCanada.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults aged 45 to 85 from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (N=30,097).MeasurementsVisual acuity was measured wearing habitual distance correction using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart at a 2-m distance. Poor balance was defined as being unable to stand on 1 leg for at least 60 seconds. PVD and diabetes mellitus were assessed according to self-report of a physician diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression was used.ResultsPeople who reported PVD (n=1,295) were more likely to have worse balance than those who did not (odds ratio (OR)=1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.29-1.77). In those who did not report PVD (n=26,211), a 1-line worse score on the visual acuity test was associated with 23% higher odds of being unable to stand for at least 60 seconds after adjusting for age, sex, education, province, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.20-1.26). In those who reported PVD, the odds of being unable to stand was almost double (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.22-1.62). The interaction between visual acuity and PVD was statistically significant (P=.02).ConclusionsVisual acuity and PVD interact in their relationship with balance. People with poor vision and PVD may be at an especially high risk of mobility difficulties.