Fall Risk Assessment: Development of a Paradigm to Measure Multifocal Eyeglass Effects

Presbyopia - A Review of Current Treatment Options and Emerging Therapies

Presbyopia is a common age-related vision disorder characterized by a progressive inability to focus on near objects. If uncorrected or under-corrected, presbyopia can significantly impact patients' quality of life. Presbyopia represents an area of considerable unmet need due to its rising prevalence worldwide as the population ages, the high proportion of under-treated individuals in some parts of the world, and the limitations of currently available corrective methods. Progressive or bifocal spectacles are associated with peripheral blur, a restricted visual field and impaired depth perception, which have been linked to an increased risk of falls in the elderly. Contact lens options can be difficult to maintain due to the development of age-related dry eye symptoms and reduced manual dexterity. Other corrective methods involve surgical interventions that modify the optics of the cornea, replace the crystalline lens, or attempt to restore active accommodation. While patients undergoing surgery report satisfactory outcomes post-operatively, many of them eventually require reading glasses. Non-invasive therapies with novel mechanisms of action are currently being investigated; these include miotic agents and UNR844, a lipoic acid choline ester. In this narrative review, available evidence on presbyopia prevalence, quality of life impact and risk factors are described, with a focus on observational studies in non-clinical settings. The diagnosis pathway and patient journey in presbyopia are outlined, and various treatment options are analyzed. The data reviewed herein reveals significant gaps in the provision of vision correction for this common condition, with a paucity of effective, non-invasive treatment options broadly accessible to presbyopic individuals.

Effect of multifocal lens glasses on the stepping patterns of novice wearers

Multifocal lens glasses (MfLs) negatively affect vision, increase falling risk and contribute to gait changes during stepping. Previous studies on the effects of MfLs on gait have focused on experienced wearers. Thus, the initial response of first-time wearers, who may face significant challenges in adapting to these glasses, is not well understood. This study aimed to quantify the effects of MfLs on novice wearers during stepping up and down. Additionally, young adults were compared against a middle-aged adults to determine the validity of convenience sampling in testing novice response to MfLs. Fifteen young adults (18-34 y.o.) and seven middle-aged adults (46-56 y.o.) were recruited to perform stepping trials while wearing progressive MfLs and blank single lens glasses. Participants stepped up and down from a 75 mm and 150 mm step in randomized order. Step placement, minimum toe clearance, lower body kinematics and stepping time were measured during step up. Step placement, minimum heel clearance, vertical forces and stepping time were measured during step down. MfLs significantly increased toe clearance in the lead and trailing legs, hip flexion, knee flexion and stepping time during step up and increased vertical forces and stepping time during step down. Step placement and hip angle explained 17% of the toe clearance variability. Changes during step up suggest a more conservative adaptation while increased forces during step down suggest a reduced level of control. No age group effects were observed, which supports the use of convenience sampling for evaluating the novice response to MfLs.