Screening for impaired visual acuity in older adults: US preventive services task force recommendation statement

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.