Report finds link between vision and wider health issues

People with visual impairment are more likely to suffer from multiple health conditions, according to a new study.

Links were found between visual impairment and hypertension in 55.6 per cent, while coronary heart disease was prevalent for 28.8 per cent of patients and diabetes for 25.9 per cent.

The report, from researchers at the University of Glasgow and University of Dundee, was published in the journal BMC Medicine and called for better integration of health services for patients with visual impairment.

Dr Helen Court, research associate in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, said: ‘While our study cannot say whether sight problems cause other conditions or vice-versa, there is a need to give greater consideration to visual impairment when treating patients with multiple other health problems.