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

Abstract

Description: 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.

Population: This recommendation applies to asymptomatic adults 65 years or older who do not present to their primary care clinician with vision problems.

Recommendation: 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).