Visual health in elderly: The impact of demography changes

In Brazil, the change of the demography process and the growth of the population age, together with the modification of the families structure point to an impact in the quality of life on elderly people and their capabilities of autonomy, resulting a concern to the public health in the next decades.World Health Organization (WHO) goal for 2020 on elderly population is aging in good health, that is, in all developing countries people over 60 must have the possibility of using their potentiality health and keep an active role in society.
Old people, with visual disabilities, has an increasing risk for falls, car accidents, misuse of medicines resulting important complications as depression, social isolation and dependency.
This study aimed to identify the visual health conditions of elderly population who attended the  rehabilitation program held by the Center for Studies in Research and Rehabilitation-CEPRE-UNICAMP and its impact to the public health.
This cross-section descriptive study was based on the sociodemographic data and the cause of visual disability of the patients who participated in the rehabilitation program that took place from 2004 to 2008. About 14,2 % of this population was over 60 years old, which of them 46,0% were blind and 54,0% had low vision.
Diabetic retinopathy (36,5%) and glaucoma (36,5%) were found to be the most prevalent causes for blindness. Macular degeneration related to age was the prevalent cause (46%) for low vision. In the present study, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among the causes of visual disability reflects the need to evaluate the access to health education as well as to incorporate new technologies that will enhance change of habits in the population. The rise in life expectancy must come with achievements that allow the older people keep the autonomy, self steam and a place in the society.