NEW YORK—A recent study published in the April 4 issue of JAMA Ophthalmology has found that older patients with vision loss are often not identified as requiring special attention when hospitalized for common disorders. According to author Alan R. Morse, JD, PhD, president and CEO of Lighthouse Guild; and co-authors William Seiple, PhD; Paul P. Lee, MD, JD; Joshua D. Stein, MD, MS; and Nidhi Talwar, MA, this misidentification can affect outcomes, resource use, and costs in the hospital.

The author and co-authors compared data of over 12,000 patients with vision loss to the same number of patients without vision loss, all hospitalized for common medical conditions like joint replacement, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, heart failure, or pneumonia. Their findings indicated that Medicare patients with vision loss experienced longer stays and increased remission rates, racking up higher costs than those without vision loss. Findings for patients with commercial insurance were similar.

By extrapolating these findings nationwide, the author and co-authors estimated that more than $500 million in additional costs would be spent caring for patients with vision loss.

Dr. Morse said, “The number of people with vision loss is projected to increase substantially as rates of macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases are expected to rise. Now is the time to put systems in place to coordinate care among healthcare practitioners that adequately address the needs associated with vision loss so patients receive appropriate care during hospitalization… Even after discharge, coordinating care among healthcare practitioners does not sufficiently address these needs so patients with vision loss continue to experience challenges… It is important that their caregivers understand the consequences of vision loss on care needs during hospitalizations and afterward, and identify strategies to minimize any potential negative impact.”

To read the full study, visit JAMA Ophthalmology.