THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON FUNCTIONING IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH LOW-VISION

The authors examined the interrelationships between low vision, depression, and functioning in older adults. Seventy patients over age 65 attending a low-vision clinic were interviewed by a geriatric nurse-practitioner, using a structured clinical format to diagnose depression according to DSM-III-R criteria. In all, 38.6% of patients met criteria for major depression. There was no association between depression and severity of visual impairment, but a direct relationship was found between depression and functional impairment Depression was the most powerful variable associated with functional impairment (adjusted R(2) = 0.20; P < 0.0001). Depression frequently co-occurs with visual impairment in this population. Appropriate recognition and treatment may reduce functional disability and improve quality of life.