Glaucoma patients have higher risk of injury from falling

A year-long study revealed that glaucoma sufferers who had extensive vision loss in their lower peripheral vision were at a greater risk of falling. Over the course of the year, 40% of the 70 participants had a fall with 20 percent suffering multiple falls over the period. While all participants had glaucoma, it was the participants who had the severely impaired lower peripheral vision who were at the greatest risk of falling. This information will allow doctors to better educate their patients on how they can reduce their risk of falling. Such preventative measures include removing tripping hazards from the house and improving the lighting. In addition, those at risk should exercise in good sunlight instead of at low-light times of the day. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions among senior adults with one third of people over the age of 65 falling every year. Regular eye exams play an important role in monitoring any changes in vision which may lead to falls.*