Social isolation in patients with age-related visual pathology

BACKGROUND: Social isolation and loneliness can affect individuals of all ages, but in many countries, they are particularly prevalent among older adults. Despite this, the social isolation of patients with sensory impairments, especially visual deficits, has not been extensively studied. AIM: To study the social isolation in patients with age-related visual pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 136 patients aged 60–74 with non-operated cataract and 136 age-matched individuals without any form of cataract were examined. When identifying the social isolation syndrome, a modified version of the social isolation index was used, consisting of five points: marital status or living situation, interaction with children, interaction with relatives, interaction with friends, and societal participation. Relative risk indicators (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to study the association with social isolation. RESULTS: Elderly patients with non-operated cataracts showed a significant increase in social isolation associated with the duration of the condition (OR=2.21; 95% CI 2.03–2.54; p 0.01), average per capita income of patients (OR=1.82; 95% CI 1.63–2.15; p 0.01), presence of arterial hypertension (OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.41–1.82; p 0.01), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.38–1.69; p 0.01). A higher risk of social isolation in patients with non–operated cataracts is observed in severe visual impairment (OR=3.56; 95% CI 3.17–3.82; p 0.001). CONCLUSION: Social isolation among elderly patients with non-operated cataract is associated with the duration of age-related cataract and per capita income. The strongest association with social isolation was observed in patients with severe visual impairment caused by age-related cataracts.