Visual Impairment Linked to Higher Risk of Early Death and Heart Disease, Study Finds
China: A recent study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology highlights a strong association between visual impairment (VI) and increased risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in adults aged 40 years and older.
In the dual-cohort study, Xing-Xuan Dong and colleagues from the School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, China, analyzed data from the United States and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of early eye care and integrated health management for adults with visual limitations.
The research combined data from 12,510 US adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2008 and 95,477 UK adults from the UK Biobank (2006–2010). Researchers applied Cox proportional hazards models to assess the relationship between visual impairment and mortality while controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and overall health status. Competing risk models were further utilized to explore cause-specific mortality, particularly heart disease-related deaths.
The study led to the following notable findings:
- Adults with visual impairment had a significantly higher risk of death compared with those without visual impairment.
- In the US cohort, all-cause mortality was elevated by 63% (HR 1.63).
- In the UK cohort, all-cause mortality was increased by 25% (HR 1.25).
- Heart disease-related deaths were significantly higher among visually impaired adults.
- In the US NHANES cohort, the risk of cardiovascular mortality was 76% higher (HR 1.76).
- Competing risk analysis confirmed a 34% increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.34).
The study highlights the potential public health impact of visual impairment, not only on quality of life but also on longevity. The authors suggest that early detection and effective management of visual impairment could play a crucial role in reducing mortality risk. Additionally, they highlight the importance of integrating visual health assessment with cardiovascular risk prevention, noting that adults with visual impairment may represent a vulnerable population that requires comprehensive medical oversight.
Dr. Dong and colleagues note that visual impairment may contribute to higher mortality through several mechanisms, including decreased physical activity, reduced access to healthcare, social isolation, and exacerbation of existing cardiovascular conditions. By addressing these factors proactively, clinicians may improve outcomes for patients with visual challenges.
"The large-scale analysis demonstrates that adults aged 40 years and older with visual impairment face a significantly elevated risk of both all-cause and heart disease-specific mortality. The findings advocate for routine eye examinations, timely intervention for visual disorders, and integrated care strategies to mitigate the heightened health risks associated with visual impairment," the authors concluded.
Reference:
Dong, X., Kai, J., Li, D., Lanca, C., Grzybowski, A., Ke, C., & Pan, C. (2025). Visual Impairment and Risk of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies. American Journal of Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2025.09.053
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