Zaina Kahiel1, Alyssa Grant2, Marie-Josée Aubin2, Ralf Buhrmann3, Marie-Jeanne Kergoat4, Ellen E Freeman5. 1. School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada (Z.K., E.E.F.). 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada (M.J.A.); Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Canada (M.J.A.); Ecole de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada (M.J.A.). 3. University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Canada (R.B., E.E.F.); Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa; Canada (R.B., E.E.F.). 4. Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada (M.J.A.). 5. School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada (Z.K., E.E.F.); University of Ottawa Eye Institute, Ottawa, Canada (R.B., E.E.F.); Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa; Canada (R.B., E.E.F.). Electronic address: eefreeman@gmail.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To understand the relationship between visual impairment, self-reported eye disease, and the onset of balance problems. DESIGN: Population-based prospective cohort study. METHODS: Baseline and 3-year follow-up data were used from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. The Comprehensive Cohort included 30,097 adults aged 45 to 85 years recruited from 11 sites across 7 provinces. Balance was measured using the 1-leg balance test. Those who could not stand on 1 leg for at least 60 seconds failed the balance test. Presenting visual acuity was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart. Participants were asked about a previous diagnosis of cataract, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. Logistic regression was used. RESULTS: Of the 12,158 people who could stand for 60 seconds on 1 leg at baseline, 18% were unable to do the same 3 years later. For each line worse of visual acuity, there was a 15% higher odds of failing the balance test at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.20) after adjustment. Those with a report of a former (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.17, 2.16) or current cataract (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01, 1.68) were more likely to fail the test at follow-up. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma were not associated with failure on the balance test. CONCLUSION: These data provide longitudinal evidence that vision loss increases the odds of balance problems over a 3-year period. Efforts to prevent avoidable vision loss are needed, as are efforts to improve the balance of visually impaired people.
PURPOSE: To understand the relationship between visual impairment, self-reported eye disease, and the onset of balance problems. DESIGN: Population-based prospective cohort study. METHODS: Baseline and 3-year follow-up data were used from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. The Comprehensive Cohort included 30,097 adults aged 45 to 85 years recruited from 11 sites across 7 provinces. Balance was measured using the 1-leg balance test. Those who could not stand on 1 leg for at least 60 seconds failed the balance test. Presenting visual acuity was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart. Participants were asked about a previous diagnosis of cataract, macular degeneration, or glaucoma. Logistic regression was used. RESULTS: Of the 12,158 people who could stand for 60 seconds on 1 leg at baseline, 18% were unable to do the same 3 years later. For each line worse of visual acuity, there was a 15% higher odds of failing the balance test at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.20) after adjustment. Those with a report of a former (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.17, 2.16) or current cataract (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.01, 1.68) were more likely to fail the test at follow-up. Age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma were not associated with failure on the balance test. CONCLUSION: These data provide longitudinal evidence that vision loss increases the odds of balance problems over a 3-year period. Efforts to prevent avoidable vision loss are needed, as are efforts to improve the balance of visually impaired people.