New findings point to an often-overlooked driver of falls in older adults: vision. Among older adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), 75% reported at least one fall in the past year, compared with 50.6% of peers without AMD. Using the Morse Fall Scale, researchers also found 36.1% of AMD patients were in the high fall-risk category versus 7.3% among those with normal vision. 

A Hidden Risk Factor 

AMD is one of the most common causes of vision loss in seniors. When eyesight is compromised, everyday activities—such as climbing stairs, navigating hallways, or recognizing uneven flooring—become far more hazardous. Poor vision can lead to missteps, difficulty judging depth, and reduced ability to detect obstacles, all of which increase the likelihood of a fall. 

The Case for Including Vision in Fall Assessments 

Fall risk assessments are a routine part of care for new and existing residents, focusing on factors like mobility, medications, and environmental hazards. Yet vision health is too often overlooked. By including eye health in these evaluations, providers can gain a more complete understanding of each resident’s fall risk. 

Key steps communities can take include: 

• Asking about recent eye exams and diagnoses such as AMD, glaucoma, or cataracts 

• Coordinating with eye care specialists for residents at risk 

• Educating residents and families on how vision changes impact safety 

A More Complete Approach to Fall Management 

While preventive strategies like strength training and medication reviews remain essential, they cannot fully eliminate falls. Expanding assessments to include vision health ensures a more complete understanding of risk. Pairing these insights with environmental protections — such as impact-absorbing flooring like Viconic Fall Defense — helps reduce the severity of injuries when falls do occur. By combining prevention with thoughtful harm-reduction measures, senior living communities can build safer, more supportive environments where older adults can thrive.