Use of single-vision distance spectacles improves landing control during step descent in well-adapted multifocal lens-wearers
Keyword
Accidental fallsAged
Aged 80 and over
Eyeglasses
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Middle-aged
Orientation
Postural balance
Prosthesis design
Risk factors
: Binocular vision
Visual perception
REF 2014
Peer-Reviewed
YesOpen Access status
closedAccess
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Epidemiologic research has shown that multifocal spectacle wearers (bifocal and progressive addition lenses [PALs]) are more than twice as likely to fall than are nonmultifocal spectacle wearers, with this risk further increasing when negotiating stairs. The present study investigated whether step and stair descent safety is improved by using single-vision distance lenses. METHODS: From a stationary standing position on top of a block, 20 long-term multifocal wearers stepped down (from different block heights) onto a lower level wearing bifocal, progressive addition, or single-vision distance lenses. RESULTS: Use of single-vision distance spectacles led to an increased single-limb support time, a reduced ankle and knee angle and vertical center-of-mass velocity at contact with the lower level, and a reduced ankle angular velocity and vertical center-of-mass velocity during initial landing (P < 0.03). These findings indicate that landing occurred in a more controlled manner when the subjects wore single-vision distance spectacles, rather than tending to "drop" onto the lower level as occurred when wearing bifocals or PALs. CONCLUSIONS: Use of single-vision distance spectacles led to improvements in landing control, consistent with individuals' being more certain regarding the precise height of the lower floor level. This enhanced control was attributed to having a view of the foot, step edge, and immediate floor area that was not blurred, magnified, or doubled and that did not suffer from image jump or peripheral distortions. These findings provide further evidence that use of single-vision distance lenses in everyday locomotion may be advantageous for elderly multifocal wearers who have a high risk of falling.Version
No full-text in the repositoryCitation
Timmis MA, Johnson L, Elliott DB et al (2010) Use of single-vision distance spectacles improves landing control during step descent in well-adapted multifocal lens-wearers. Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science. 51(8): 3903-3908.Link to Version of Record
https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.09-4987Type
Articleae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
https://doi.org/10.1167/iovs.09-4987