Increased visual loss increases falls for older adults

According to a study published this month in Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, visual field loss is the primary vision component that increases the risk of falls.

The authors of the study looked at deficits in different components of vision to see whether any were more closely linked with falls than others.

Each 10% loss in the visual field caused an 8% high chance of falling after adjustment for other risk factors for falls, the study authors reported.

Most likely visual field reduction is related to risk of falls because of its affects on postural stability and aspects of mobility, according to study authors.