UNTREATED VISION LOSS AS A MODIFIABLE RISK FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DEMENTIA

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate whether untreated vision loss is a modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia, by systematically reviewing the literature and performing a meta-analysis to quantify the association between these conditions. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA/PROSPERO CRD420251117349) was conducted, searching the PubMed/Medline database for observational studies (cohort, case-control) from the last 10 years. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data were pooled using a random-effects model (Mantel-Haenszel) to calculate the pooled Odds Ratio (OR). Results: The search yielded 210 articles, with 5 studies (N > 1,000,000 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies showed a significant association between visual impairment (especially moderate/severe) and dementia. The quantitative meta-analysis revealed that vision loss significantly increases the risk of dementia, with a pooled OR of 2.47 (95% CI: 1.49–4.11). Conclusions: Visual impairment is an independent and modifiable risk factor for dementia. As many causes of vision loss are treatable (e.g., cataracts, refractive errors), vision correction and eye health should be integrated as public health strategies to reduce the incidence and mitigate the burden of cognitive decline.