Prevention of falls syndrome with visual function deficiency

Visual deficiency significantly limits the functional activity of patients and acts as a significant risk factor for falls syndrome, one of the leading geriatric syndromes, which is not given enough attention in patients with diabetic retinopathy and primary angle–closure glaucoma.

Objective. Substantiation of the main preventive measures of falls syndrome in geriatric practice among patients with visual deficits.

Subjects and methods. A copy of information from official medical documentation and a survey of patients and their relatives on the number of falls for the calendar year were carried out. The main and control groups were formed, in which the frequency of falls syndrome was studied. The main group included patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and primary angle-closure glaucoma in the number of 236 people. The control consisted of 204 patients with general somatic pathology (ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension et al) who do not have the above-mentioned ophthalmological diseases now in the anamnesis. Patients of both groups were assessed for visual acuity without correction and with correction, peripheral and central vision assessment according to standard methods.

Results. It was found that the incidence of the syndrome of falls 4 or more times over the past calendar year among patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and primary angle-closure glaucoma is 45,6±3,2 cases per 100 examined and is significantly higher than in the control group – 18,7±2,7 cases per 100 examined (p<0,001). 3 falls over the past year, respectively, were detected in 38,2±3,2 cases examined and in 8,5±2,0 cases per 100 examined, 2 falls – in 23,4±2,7 cases and 9,6±1,7 cases, respectively. A decrease in the participation of the visual system in the control of the postural balance of patients with ophthalmic pathology is also shown.

Conclusion. To prevent the syndrome of falls, correction of visual deficit is necessary.