Large retrospective studies have demonstrated that visual impairment is a risk factor for developing cognitive impairment, including dementia.
Cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease are directly correlated to dementia, but visual impairment from other causes can exacerbate the disease. Poor acuity in dementia patients increases dementia symptoms, including disability and dependency, negative emotions and abnormal behaviors. It also reduces their participation in hobbies and social engagement and makes them more likely to go to the hospital.
Although strong