Field defects linked to falls

People affected by glaucoma are more than three times more likely to suffer a fall or be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

A report published in this month's Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science details how, of 95 age-matched patients, the half with diagnosed glaucoma were almost three times more likely to have suffered one or more falls in the last year, and over six times more likely to have been involved in one or more motor vehicle accidents over the last five years.

In all cases the restricted field of view was the major factor. Research Dr Sharon Haymes, of Dalhousie University, stated: 'We need to find ways to help minimise their risk.'