Dr.Meena Thotakura, M20143
Purpose: To assess the Fear of Falling in patients with visual impairment due to Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Methods: Fear of Falling was assessed using a questionnaire in 90 patients with significant visual impairment due to AMD. This was compared with 90 normal sighted individuals. The questionnaire was administered by a trained coordinator who was masked to the AMD status of the patients.
Results: Fear of Falling was significantly increased in patients with AMD (p<0.0001) as were the number of falls over the previous year compared to normal sighted individuals. Conclusion: Fear of Falling is increased in patients with AMD. Hence, early identification of such patients and rehabilitation with formal training and lifestyle modifications, will aid in improving their quality of life.
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