Self-Reported Vision Impairment and Its Contribution to Disability Among Older Adults

OBJECTIVE: To examine contributions of self-reported vision impairment to disability by persons 65 years and older. METHOD: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES IV; 1999-2008; weighted N = 6,550). The four-staged Nagi model of the disability process, incorporating biomarkers, disease, and physical functioning, was used as a framework to guide variable selection. An unadjusted ordinal logistic regression model testing effects of vision on daily-life activities was compared with models that controlled covariates associated with each stage of the disability model. RESULTS: Where significant effects of poor vision remained, the strongest effect was found for doing leisure activities at home (OR = 5.29; 95% CI [3.14, 8.90]). DISCUSSION: Results suggest the importance of considering multiple health factors when formulating comprehensive vision rehabilitation interventions.