Saudi Journal of Nursing and Health Care (SJNHC)
Volume-2 | Issue-05 | 189-196
Original Research Article
Relationship between Visual Impairment of Elderly and Their Quality of Life
Mai A. El-banna, Gehan M. Ismail, Heba M. Sharaa
Published : May 30, 2019
Abstract
Visual function is the most important sensory function of the human body; visual impairment is a common and
debilitating health problem among elderly. It is affected elderly s’ daily life and leads to functional disabilities and other
health problems. Thus: The aim of the current study was to assess relationship between visual impairment of elderly and
their quality of life. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was adopted in this study. Setting: The study was
conducted at outpatient clinics in Governmental Ophthalmic Hospital in Kafer El-Sheikh governorate, Egypt. Tools:
Data were collected through interviewing elderly using two tools: I) Elderly Client Interviewing Questionnaire Tool
which divided into two parts, 1st part: the demographic characteristics of the elderly and 2nd part: medical history and
chronic disease. II) An Arabic Version of National Eye Institution Visual Function Questionnaires Tool (ARB-VFQ-25).
Results: results revealed that, the main cause for visual impairment was cataract (84%). The highest mean score of subscale were vision health and color vision (66.13±34.67). A statistically significance correlation was found between visual
impairment and quality of life among elderly (p= 0.012). Conclusion: Visual impairment is associated with significant
reduction in different quality of life domains for the elderly. Quality of life becomes poor with increasing severity of
visual impairment. Recommendations: the study recommended conducting a health education programs for elderly with
visual impairment to promote their quality of life.