Screening for Impaired Visual Acuity in Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

Journal: Jama
Published:
Abstract

Methods: Update of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. Methods: The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on screening for visual acuity impairment associated with uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration among adults 65 years or older in the primary care setting; the benefits and harms of screening; the accuracy of screening; and the benefits and harms of treatment of early vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults 65 years or older who do not present to their primary care clinician with vision problems.

Conclusions: The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults. (I statement).

Authors
Kirsten Bibbins Domingo, David Grossman, Linda Baumann, Karina Davidson, Mark Ebell, Francisco A García, Matthew Gillman, Jessica Herzstein, Alex Kemper, Alex Krist, Ann Kurth, Douglas Owens, William Phillips, Maureen Phipps, Michael Pignone