AB034. Knowledge and understanding of eye disease among older adults with vision impairment

Background:By 2026,projections indicate that 1/5 Canadians will be over the age of 65.This shift in demographics will be accompanied by an increase in age-related eye disease.Survey studies have reported vision loss as a major medical concern among older adults,but there is little information on older adults’awareness and knowledge of age-related eye diseases.A lack of knowledge can lead to missed or delayed treatment and/or lifestyle modification.This study aims to assess the knowledge and understanding older adults have of their own eye disease and its prognosis.Methods:Participants over the age of 50 with a visual impairment were recruited from the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre,the Low Vision Self-Help Association(LVSHA)of the West Island and through word of mouth.Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were measured using the ETDRS charts and Mars Charts,respectively.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was used to take cross-sectional images of participant retinas.Participants were asked to name their visual diagnoses and describe them in their own words.Participant diagnoses were compared to diagnoses determined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.Results:To date,this study has recruited 26 participants(7M,19F)over the age of 50 years(range,51-95 years).Many participants(73%)were able to name their visual diagnoses,articulate their symptoms,and discuss their treatment and prognosis.The majority of these individuals(67%)were clients of the MAB-Mackay or participants in the LVSHA.Of the 27%(4M,4F)who were unclear or had misunderstood their diagnoses,half were participants in a low vision support group,but they had multiple visual diagnoses and it was the congenital or trauma-related visual impairments acquired before joining the MAB-Mackay or LVSHA that remained unclear.The other 4 individuals who misunderstood their diagnoses were not involved with any low vision or rehabilitation organizations.Conclusions:Visual impairment is sometimes dismissed as part of aging.A lack of awareness and knowledge can lead to missed or delayed treatment and/or lifestyle modifications.The preliminary results of this study demonstrate the important role organizations like the MAB-Mackay and LVSHA play in education and adaptation to low vision for older adults.Individuals with a better understanding of their own diagnoses are more likely to follow through with doctor-recommendations and have successful treatment or slowed progression.