ABSTRACT
The prevalence of preventable vision loss proportionately affects more of the older adult US population. Any abnormality of structure, development, or function will result in vision loss. As the eye ages, it undergoes natural changes, which can adversely affect vision by altering ocular structures and interfering with the pathway traveled by light to the retina. Arcus senilis or lipid deposits in the corneal periphery can also occur, but the change is cosmetic with little or no effect on vision. Vision is a complex entity that is often subjective in its measurement and definition. A common way to measure vision is by measuring visual acuity on a standardized vision chart. Visual acuity measures the ability to distinguish details and measures clarity of vision. Visual impairment in one-third of nursing home residents can be reversed by treatment of uncorrected refractive error. Vision loss is relative to the regions of ischemic retina supplied by the affected vessel.
