1
|
Dhakal R, Lawrenson JG, Huntjens B, Shah R, Verkicharla PK. Light exposure profiles differ between myopes and non-myopes outside school hours. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2024; 9:e001469. [PMID: 38816010 PMCID: PMC11138295 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Considering the putative role of light in myopia, and variations in socioeconomic, lifestyle, educational and environmental factors across ethnicities, we objectively investigated light exposure patterns in Indian school children. METHODS The light exposure profile of 143 school children (9-15 years, 50 myopes) recorded using a validated wearable light tracker for six continuous days was analysed. Additional data for non-school days were available for 87 children (26 myopes). The illuminance exposure levels, time spent outdoors and epoch (number of times participant is exposed to a predefined range of lux level per day) were compared between myopes and non-myopes across different light conditions: ≥1000, ≥3000, ≥5000 and ≥10 000 lux. For school days, light exposure profiles during (1) before school, school and after school hours; and (2) class, break and transition (when a student travels to and from school) time were analysed. RESULTS The overall median (IQR) daily illuminance exposure level, time spent outdoors and epochs at outdoors (≥1000 lux) were 807 (507-1079) lux/day, 46 (30-64) min/day and 9 (6-12) times/day, respectively. The daily illuminance exposure on non-school days was significantly higher in non-myopes than myopes (6369 (4508-9112) vs 5623 (2616-6929) lux/day, p=0.04). During transition time (school days), non-myopes had significantly higher illuminance exposure (910 (388-1479) vs 550 (263-1098) lux/day, p=0.04), spent more time outdoors (25 (10-43) vs 14 (4-29) min/day, p=0.01) and had higher outdoor epochs (6 (4-11) vs 5 (2-8) times/day, p=0.01) than myopes. CONCLUSIONS A small but significant difference in illuminance exposure, time spent outdoors and epoch was noted between myopes and non-myopes during transition time, which may have implications in myopia control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Dhakal
- Myopia Research Lab, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre & Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sceinces, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, City University of London, London, UK
| | - John G Lawrenson
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Byki Huntjens
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Rakhee Shah
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Pavan Kumar Verkicharla
- Myopia Research Lab, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre & Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sceinces, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Infor Myopia Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shneor E, Gordon-Shaag A, Doron R, Benoit JS, Ostrin LA. Utility of the Actiwatch Spectrum Plus for detecting the outdoor environment and physical activity in children. JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2024; 17:100483. [PMID: 37797567 PMCID: PMC10551654 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.100483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the performance of the Actiwatch Spectrum Plus (Philips, Respironics) for determining real world indoor and outdoor environments and physical activity in children. METHODS Children wore the device while performing 10 different activities, ranging from sedentary to vigorous physical-activity, and under different indoor and outdoor conditions. Repeated measures ANOVA was implemented via mixed effects modeling to determine illuminance (lux) and physical activity (counts per 15 s, CP15) across conditions. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis assessed the accuracy to detect indoor versus outdoor settings. RESULTS Illuminance was found to be statistically different across indoor (793 ± 348 lux) and outdoor (4,413 ± 518 lux) conditions (P<.0001), with excellent diagnostic accuracy to detect indoor versus outdoor settings (Area under the ROC Curve, AUC 0.94); 1088 lux was identified as the optimal threshold for outdoor illuminance (sensitivity: 93.0%; specificity: 85.0%). Using published activity ranges, we found that when children were sitting, 94% of the physical-activity readings were classified as sedentary or light. When children were walking, 88% of readings were classified as light, and when children were running, 77% of readings were classified as moderate or vigorous. CONCLUSION The Actiwatch Spectrum Plus performed well during real world activities in children, showing excellent diagnostic accuracy at 1088 lux as a threshold to detect indoor versus outdoor environments and in categorizing physical activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Einat Shneor
- Department of Optometry, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem 9101001, Israel.
| | - Ariela Gordon-Shaag
- Department of Optometry, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem 9101001, Israel
| | - Ravid Doron
- Department of Optometry, Hadassah Academic College, Jerusalem 9101001, Israel
| | - Julia S Benoit
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA; Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Lisa A Ostrin
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
He X, Li SM. Gene-environment interaction in myopia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:1438-1448. [PMID: 37486033 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Myopia is a health issue that has attracted global attention due to its high prevalence and vision-threatening complications. It is well known that the onset and progression of myopia are related to both genetic and environmental factors: more than 450 common genetic loci have been found to be associated with myopia, while near work and outdoor time are the main environmental risk factors. As for many complex traits, gene-environment interactions are implicated in myopia development. To date, several genetic loci have been found to interact with near work or educational level. Gene-environment interaction research on myopia could yield models that provide more accurate risk predictions, thus improving targeted treatments and preventive strategies. Additionally, such investigations might have the potential to reveal novel genetic information. In this review, we summarised the findings in this field and proposed some topics for future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi He
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Ming Li
- Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hönekopp A, Weigelt S. Using Light Meters to Investigate the Light-Myopia Association - A Literature Review of Devices and Research Methods. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:2737-2760. [PMID: 37743889 PMCID: PMC10517690 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s420631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of myopia, evaluating its relationship with objective light exposure as a potential adjustable environmental factor in myopia development has been an emerging research field in recent years. From a thorough literature search, we identify ten wearable light meters from human studies on light exposure and myopia and present an overview of their parameters, thereby demonstrating the wide between-device variability and discussing its implications. We further identify 20 publications, including two reanalyses, reporting investigations of light-myopia associations with data from human subjects wearing light meters. We thoroughly review the publications with respect to general characteristics, aspects of data collection, participant population, as well as data analysis and interpretation, and also assess potential patterns regarding the absence or presence of light-myopia associations in their results. In doing so, we highlight areas in which more research is needed as well as several aspects that warrant consideration in the study of light exposure and myopia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Hönekopp
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Unit Vision, Visual Impairments & Blindness, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sarah Weigelt
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Research Unit Vision, Visual Impairments & Blindness, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ramamurthy D, Samuel Paulraj AK, Lakshmi T, Rajagopalan T, Lavanya R. Development of smart spectacles to monitor and modify myopia-related health behaviour in children. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:517-524. [PMID: 36882952 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a wearable, spectacle-mounted, sensor-based device to monitor and modify myopia risk factors in children, namely near-working distance, light levels and spectral composition. METHODS A wearable, spectacle-mounted device has been developed, which consists of inbuilt sensors, namely: (i) light sensor to detect ambient light intensity; (ii) proximity sensor to measure near-work distance; (iii) microspectrograph to measure spectral power for six visible channels, namely red, green, blue, yellow, orange and violet and (iv) a global positioning system tracker to track the location and the device. The sensors were programmed by Arduino Nano, and the circuit was fixed onto a printed circuit board fitted onto a spectacle frame for pilot testing. Laboratory testing of the prototype was performed using a mannequin. An alert will be set when exceeding the predetermined threshold to help control myopia risk factors. RESULTS The indoor and outdoor light levels measured using the prototype were less than and greater than 1000 lux, respectively. The actual target distance and the corresponding distance measured by the prototype were highly correlated (R2 = 0.99). The mean distance measured by the prototype was within 1.5 cm of the actual target distance for distances between 30 and 95 cm. The spectral energy of the indoor location was highest for the orange channel at about 100-160 counts/μW/cm2 , whereas it was highest for the blue channel in outdoor daylight (10,000-19,000 counts/μW/cm2 ). CONCLUSION A working prototype that can simultaneously measure the viewing distance, light intensity and spectral composition has been developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharani Ramamurthy
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Angeline Kirubha Samuel Paulraj
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Teja Lakshmi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Tejashwini Rajagopalan
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Reddy Lavanya
- Department of Optometry, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Balajadia E, Garcia S, Stampfli J, Schrader B, Guidolin C, Spitschan M. Usability and Acceptability of a Corneal-Plane α-Opic Light Logger in a 24-h Field Trial. Digit Biomark 2023; 7:139-149. [PMID: 37901367 PMCID: PMC10601946 DOI: 10.1159/000531404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to light fundamentally influences human physiology and behaviour by synchronising our biological clock to the external light-dark cycle and controlling melatonin production. In addition to well-controlled laboratory studies, more naturalistic approaches to examining these "non-visual" effects of light have been developed in recent years. As naturalistic light exposure is quite unlike well-controlled stimulus conditions in the laboratory, it is critical to measure light exposure in a person-referenced way, the "spectral diet." To this end, light loggers have been developed to capture personalised light exposure. As an alternative to light sensors integrated into wrist-worn actimeters, pendants, or brooch-based light loggers, a recently developed wearable light logger laterally attached to spectacle frames enables the measurement of biologically relevant quantities in the corneal plane. Methods Here, we examine the usability and acceptability of using the light logger in an undergraduate student sample (n = 18, mean±1SD: 20.1 ± 1.7 years; 9 female; Oxford, UK) in real-world conditions during a 24-h measurement period. We probed the acceptability of the light logger using rating questionnaires and open-ended questions. Results Our quantitative results show a modest acceptability of the light logger. A thematic analysis of the open-ended questions reveals that the form factor of the device, in particular, size, weight, and stability, and reactions from other people to the wearer of the light logger, were commonly mentioned aspects. Conclusion In sum, the results indicate the miniaturisation of light loggers and "invisible" integration into extant everyday objects as key areas for future technological development, facilitating the availability of light exposure data for developing personalised intervention strategies in both research, clinical and consumer contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eljoh Balajadia
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Garcia
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janine Stampfli
- Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, Horw, Switzerland
| | - Björn Schrader
- Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, Horw, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Guidolin
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Translational Sensory & Circadian Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manuel Spitschan
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Translational Sensory & Circadian Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
- TUM School of Medicine and Health, Chronobiology & Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Garching, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dhakal R, Rudrapankte JR, Chittajallu HSNS, Lawrenson JG, Huntjens B, Shah R, Verkicharla PK. Development and validation of a 'MyLyt' wearable light tracking device. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:132-140. [PMID: 36271902 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We developed a clip-on light tracker (MyLyt) for estimating light exposure in real time. This study aimed at validating and investigating the feasibility of using MyLyt in children and adults. METHOD The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved validation against a factory-calibrated digital lux meter in three separate conditions: controlled environmental set-up, outdoors and indoors where intra-test (two measurements by the same tracker), inter-test (measurements among trackers) and inter-device (MyLyt tracker and lux meter) validations were conducted. Phase 2 involved a feasibility study where MyLyt was used in a real-world setting by 21 adults and 8 children. Participants were asked to log their real-time movements in an 'activity diary', which were correlated with the lux levels measured by the tracker. RESULTS A strong positive correlation and non-significant difference in the recorded mean illuminance levels were observed during intra-test (inter-class correlation: 1.00, p = 0.99), inter-test (0.91-1.00, p > 0.15) and inter-device (0.91-1.00, p > 0.56) validation in all three testing conditions (p > 0.49), except the indoor location. While the lux level measured by MyLyt was significantly higher than that of the lux meter (p < 0.01) in the indoor locations, differences were minimal and clinically insignificant. A Bland-Altman plot showed a minimal mean difference (95% limits of agreement) between the MyLyt tracker and lux meter in all three conditions (controlled environmental set-up: 641 [-949, 2230], outdoor: 74 [-2772, 2920] and indoor: -35 [-151, 80] lux). Phase 2 validation showed an expected illuminance level against the corresponding location with high sensitivity (97.8%) and specificity (99%) to accurately differentiate between outdoor and indoor locations. CONCLUSION The MyLyt tracker showed good repeatability, strong correlation and comparable values with the lux meter in the three tested conditions, making it suitable for tracking light exposure patterns for both research and clinical purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Dhakal
- Myopia Research Lab, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Infor Myopia Centre, Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - John G Lawrenson
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Byki Huntjens
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Rakhee Shah
- Centre for Applied Vision Research, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Pavan K Verkicharla
- Myopia Research Lab, Prof. Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.,Infor Myopia Centre, Brien Holden Institute of Optometry and Vision Sciences, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Spitschan M, Smolders K, Vandendriessche B, Bent B, Bakker JP, Rodriguez-Chavez IR, Vetter C. Verification, analytical validation and clinical validation (V3) of wearable dosimeters and light loggers. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221144858. [PMID: 36601285 PMCID: PMC9806438 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221144858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Light exposure is an important driver and modulator of human physiology, behavior and overall health, including the biological clock, sleep-wake cycles, mood and alertness. Light can also be used as a directed intervention, e.g., in the form of light therapy in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), jetlag prevention and treatment, or to treat circadian disorders. Recently, a system of quantities and units related to the physiological effects of light was standardized by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE S 026/E:2018). At the same time, biometric monitoring technologies (BioMeTs) to capture personalized light exposure were developed. However, because there are currently no standard approaches to evaluate the digital dosimeters, the need to provide a firm framework for the characterization, calibration, and reporting for these digital sensors is urgent. Objective This article provides such a framework by applying the principles of verification, analytic validation and clinical validation (V3) as a state-of-the-art approach for tools and standards in digital medicine to light dosimetry. Results This article describes opportunities for the use of digital dosimeters for basic research, for monitoring light exposure, and for measuring adherence in both clinical and non-clinical populations to light-based interventions in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Spitschan
- Translational Sensory & Circadian Neuroscience, Max Planck
Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany,Chronobiology & Health, TUM Department of Sport and Health
Sciences (TUM SG), Technical University of
Munich, Munich, Germany,TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS), Technical University of
Munich, Garching, Germany,Manuel Spitschan, Translational Sensory
& Circadian Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics,
Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Karin Smolders
- Human-Technology Interaction Group, Eindhoven University of
Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Vandendriessche
- Byteflies, Antwerp, Belgium,Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering, Case Western Reserve
University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Céline Vetter
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado
Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA,Céline Vetter, University of Colorado
Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rynders CA, Bowen AE, Cooper E, Brinton JT, Higgins J, Nadeau KJ, Wright KP, Simon SL. A Naturalistic Actigraphic Assessment of Changes in Adolescent Sleep, Light Exposure, and Activity Before and During COVID-19. J Biol Rhythms 2022; 37:690-699. [PMID: 36124632 PMCID: PMC9726638 DOI: 10.1177/07487304221123455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The majority of high school-aged adolescents obtain less than the recommended amount of sleep per night, in part because of imposed early school start times. Utilizing a naturalistic design, the present study evaluated changes in objective measurements of sleep, light, and physical activity before (baseline) and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (during COVID-19) in a group of US adolescents. Sixteen adolescents (aged 15.9 ± 1.2 years, 68.8% female) wore an actigraphy monitor for 7 consecutive days during an in-person week of school before the pandemic (October 2018-February 2020) and again during the pandemic when instruction was performed virtually (May 2020). Delayed weekday sleep onset times of 1.66 ± 1.33 h (p < 0.001) and increased sleep duration of 1 ± 0.87 h (p < 0.001) were observed during COVID-19 compared with baseline. Average lux was significantly higher during COVID-19 compared with baseline (p < 0.001). Weekday physical activity parameters were not altered during COVID-19 compared with baseline, except for a delay in the midpoint of the least active 5 h (p value = 0.044). This analysis provides insight into how introducing flexibility into the traditional school schedule might influence sleep in adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey A. Rynders
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Kinesiology, School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Emily Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - John T. Brinton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Janine Higgins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kristen J. Nadeau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth P. Wright
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Stacey L. Simon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,Stacey L. Simon, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 E 16th Avenue, Box B395, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dev MK, Black AA, Cuda D, Wood JM. Low Light Exposure and Physical Activity in Older Adults With and Without Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:21. [PMID: 35311931 PMCID: PMC8944400 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the extent of low light exposure and associated physical activity in older adults with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Light exposure (lux) and physical activity (counts per minute, CPM) were measured in 28 older adults (14 bilateral AMD and 14 normally sighted controls) using a wrist-worn actigraphy device (Actiwatch) for 7 days and nights. Exposure to low light levels (≤10 lux) and physical activity during waking hours were determined, as well as number of brief active periods during sleeping hours (e.g., going to the bathroom). Assessments included visual acuity and the Low Luminance Questionnaire (LLQ). Results No significant differences were found in low light exposure (39 ± 14% vs. 34 ± 10%) or physical activity (200 ± 82 CPM vs. 226 ± 55 CPM) during waking hours between the AMD and control group. However, the AMD group had more brief active periods during sleeping hours than controls (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4; P = 0.007). Reduced physical activity under low light levels was significantly associated with lower LLQ scores (P = 0.012). Conclusions Exposure to low light levels and associated physical activity were similar in older adults with and without AMD. This has important implications for older adults with AMD, given the impact of low light levels on visual function and mobility, suggesting the need for including lighting advice in rehabilitation programs for this population. Translational Relevance Older adults with and without AMD spend over a third of waking hours under low light levels, which are an environmental falls hazard. Findings suggest the need for interventions to improve lighting levels for older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh K Dev
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alex A Black
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Damian Cuda
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joanne M Wood
- Centre for Vision and Eye Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|