Overview of Quality of Life Research in Older People with Visual Impairment

Abstract

During the past two decades, a number of studies have investigated the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older people with visual impairment, but the information is fragmented concerning health care providers in the field of gerontology. In this review, findings of HRQOL studies in older adults with different types of age-related ocular disorders or conditions are summarized. Apart from medical treatment and vision rehabilitation, factors that may influence the HRQOL of visually impaired older adults are also examined, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, mobility, comorbidity, family support, social support, use of eye care services, and psychological and spiritual factors. Finally, existing problems are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided. Given the high prevalence of visual impairment among older adults and their unmet needs for eye care and vision rehabilitation, multidisciplinary interventions that may enhance visually impaired older people’s HRQOL are warranted.