Does Visual Impairment Increase the Risk of Falls and Injurious Falls among the Elderly? A Cross-sectional Study

Background and Aim: Falls and injuries are common among elderly. This study evaluated the association of visual impairment (VI) and common risk factors with falls and injuries among the elderly. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted among 176 elderly individuals. Data regarding falls and injuries were collected using a questionnaire. Clinical assessment was done for risk factors like age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, limb/gait abnormality, and bilateral/unilateral VI (BVI and UVI, respectively). Bivariate and multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the risk of falls and injuries. Results: The male: female ratio was 1.12:1; the mean age was 63.89 ± 7.21 years. 21.02% of participants reported falls in the 6 months; 8.1% of participants reported multiple falls. 56.75% of participants required consultation; 21.62% of participants required immobilization or surgery. Hospital and bathroom falls were reported. Twisted limbs and slippery floors were contributors. BVI was significantly associated with falls, whereas age, gender, BMI, prior comorbidity, or limb/gait abnormalities were not. Multivariate analysis indicated that BVI and high BMI showed higher odds of falls and also injuries. Higher odds of falls were seen with limb/gait abnormalities, whereas high odds of injuries on falling were seen with female gender, comorbidity, and UVI. Participants suggested individual caution, support, environmental safety, and limitation of mobility in risky surroundings as preventive measures. Conclusion: Elderly falls and subsequent injuries are common. BVI and high BMI show trends of increased odds of falls and fall-related injuries. Female gender, UVI, comorbidities, and limb/gait abnormalities contribute to the risk of falls in the elderly.