Cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are independent risk factors affecting falls in the older adult with eye diseases.

OBJECTIVES

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization in older adult, presenting a significant public health concern. To examine the specific eye diseases for risk factors of falls in the older adult.

METHODS

A total of 775 older adults admitted to tertiary care hospitals were divided into a fall or non-fall group based on a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with falls.

RESULTS

With 208 falls, 775 participants were recruited. The major associated factors of falls were older age (Odds ratios [OR]: 1.05), female (OR: 1.91), cardiovascular diseases (OR: 1.65), more outdoor activities (OR: 2.81), cataract (OR: 1.65), glaucoma (OR: 1.63), diabetic retinopathy (OR: 2.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy in the older adult with eye diseases are independent risk factors of falls, which may shed light on the prevention of falls in the older adult with eye diseases.