MEDICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR OPHTHALMOPATHY

Abstract

Aim: To assess medical and social issues of occupational rehabilitation in elderly patients with vascular eye diseases. Materials and methods: The results of examination of 572 patients and disabled persons after acute occlusion of central retinal artery, central retinal vein or optic nerve ischemia with sequelae were analyzed. Results: The majority of patients (> 70%) with history of acute occlusion of central retinal artery, central retinal vein or optic nerve ischemia were elderly and had extensive professional background. Frequency of acute vascular eye diseases-related disability was as follows: 12.7% after occlusion of central retinal artery, 60.1% after acute occlusion of central retinal vein and 27.2% after acute optic nerve ischemia. Conclusion: Key determinants of occupational abilities in patients with vascular eye diseases are: visual function, positive motivation for work, compensation status of background vascular condition and adequate working environment.

Keywords

• elderly patients
• disability
• occupational rehabilitation
• vascular eye diseases
• occlusion
• sequelae