Research has found sight tests that include a special test for judging distances could help identify patients living with dementia who are at risk of falling.
Dr Marianne Coleman, orthoptist at the University of Surrey, carried out the research, which was jointly funded by Fight for Sight and the Royal Society of Medicine.
The study involved 24 volunteers who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia, with each person having their vision monitored over time.
Dr Coleman found that if a demonstration was given to patients in a depth perception exam, then even those with the lowest scores on their memory tests were able to take part.
The orthoptist explained: ‘If you struggle with judging distances, you are at increased risk of having a fall, which can really knock your confidence and have an impact on so many other aspects of life, including general health and wellbeing.
‘This research emphasises the importance of routine sight tests for people with dementia and the need to include a suitable test of the ability to judge distances. Having good eyesight reduces your risk of falling, and the right eye tests, the right spectacles, a dementia-friendly testing technique and adequate appointment lengths can all help to ensure people living with dementia can see as well as possible.’
Volunteers showed no significant deteriorations in their eyesight or ability to judge distances during the observation period, despite a reduction in their memory test scores.
Dr Coleman (pictured right) concluded that there was no evidence that the depth perception of those living with dementia would worsen further as the condition progressed.
‘The findings of this research suggest that changes in eyesight should not be dismissed as a simple result of dementia and should be appropriately investigated as part of a routine, dementia-friendly eye examination,’ she added.