Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the risk of falls and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in patients with glaucoma.
Methods: :
The sample comprised 36 glaucoma patients aged over 50 years (mean visual field MD in the better eye = –3.5 dB, range –19.8 to +1.7 dB) and 36 age–matched healthy control subjects, who were enrolled in an ongoing prospective study on risk factors for falls, risk factors for MVCs and on–road driving performance in glaucoma. Main outcome measures at baseline were self–reported falls, self–reported MVCs and police–reported MVCs. Demographic and medical data were obtained. In addition, functional independence in daily living (Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire), physical activity level (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), mobility/balance (timed "Up & Go" test) and clinical vision measures were assessed. Analyses of falls and MVCs were adjusted to account for the possible confounding effects of demographic characteristics, medications and visual field impairment. Analyses of MVCs were also adjusted for kilometers driven per week.
Results: :
There were no significant differences between the glaucoma and control group with respect to number of systemic medical conditions, body mass index, functional independence, physical activity level and mobility/balance (P > 0.10). At baseline, 30 (83%) glaucoma patients and 35 (97%) control subjects were driving. Glaucoma patients were more likely to have fallen in the previous year, compared with control subjects (odds ratio [OR] = 4.84, 95% CI 1.22 to 19.21). They were also more likely to have been involved in one or more MVCs in the previous 5 years (OR = 6.00, 95% CI 1.16 to 30.95 [self–reported MVCs] and OR = 10.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 91.43 [police–reported MVCs]). Moreover, glaucoma was significantly associated with previous at–fault MVCs (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: :
Glaucoma patients are at increased risk for falls and MVCs.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • quality of life • visual fields