Ocular diseases at geriatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro: social and epidemiological considerations among patients with motor locomotion deficit

Objective: To identify the causes of low visual acuity and systemic morbidities that limit ambulation and access to eye care in geriatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 187 patients from three geriatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro between January 2010 and January 2011. The inclusion criteria were individuals with a visual acuity of less than of equal to 20/200 in either eye (118 individuals), without optical correction. The exclusion criteria were individuals who refused to participate and those unable to undergo screening because of mental disabilities (6 individuals). Of the 187 individuals evaluated, 63 had visual acuity above 20/200. Results: A total of 118 individuals with a visual acuity of ≤20/200 effectively participated in the study after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, 57 participants (48.3%) presented systemic disabling morbidities. Of the 118 individuals with low visual acuity, 27.96% had cataract and 26.27% had refractive errors. Conclusion: Most of the patients from geriatric clinics experienced ocular morbidities, but their proper treatment resulted in improved visual acuity. A more socially oriented problem associated with eye care involved the difficulty of access to ophthalmologic consultations.