OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the visual conditions self-reported by institutionalized elderly and their relation to accidental falls. METHODS: Prospective study in which we interviewed 59 elderly residents of long-stay institutions for elderly in Goiânia, between 2005 and 2007. Two surveys were conducted with an interval of two years to perform the assessments proposed. The visual conditions in the first survey and the report of falls in the wake were self-reported. The elderly were classified according to the presence of visual impairment and compared the occurrence of fall with the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Visual deficit was reported by 48 (81.4%) of the elderly and accidents from falls reached 32 (54.2%) of them; which were more prevalent among older adults with visual impairment. After the first inquiry, in the following two years, found no statistically significant difference (p = 0.171) between the variable self-reported visual impairment and falls. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate the need for better research ophthalmology clinic for the elderly. Early diagnosis of visual impairment and / or correct it can benefit the elderly and to avoid future functional impairment arising from these and consequences such as falls.
Vision; Accidental falls; Aging; Aged; Health of institutionalized elderly
