Abstract
BACKGROUND: Information is lacking on the impact of visual impairment on the quality of life of elderly Africans. This study aims to examine the impact of self-reported visual impairment on the quality life of an elderly Nigerian sample. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-three (22.3%) of the respondents reported impairment for distant vision, 377 (18.4%) reported near vision, and 312 (15.2) reported impairment for both far and near. Impairment of near vision had a significant impact on all domains of quality of life. Distant vision had less impact, with a significant decrement only in the domain of environment. After adjusting for the possible effects of age, sex, and co-occurring chronic physical illness, near-vision impairment accounted for 3.92% decrement in the overall quality of life of elderly persons. CONCLUSION: Impairment of vision is associated with significant decrement in diverse areas of quality of life in this elderly sample. Problems with near vision were nevertheless more likely than those of distant vision to affect quality of life.