The relationship between visual impairment and eight-year mortality was examined in this non-concurrent follow-up study. Mortality status of all 5,308 participants in the population-based Baltimore Eye Survey (BES) with an initial visual field examination in 1985-1988 was evaluated during 1995-1998. Eight-years after the initial examination, a total of 3,796 participants (71.5%) were still living, 1,327 participants (25.0%) were deceased, and the vital status of 185 (3.5%) participants could not be confirmed. Baseline visual impairment was significantly associated with mortality among participants aged 40-59 (hazard ratio (HR)=2.06; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57, 2.70), and less significant among subjects aged 60 or older (HR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.29), after controlling for age, race, gender, body mass index, and history of cardiovascular disease, steroid use, and alcohol use. In this population, visual impairment appears to be a risk factor for mortality among participants aged 40-59.
Keywords: Vision Care, Mortality
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.