Relationship between self-reporting of visual impairment and falls in older adults participating in the 2015 SABE Colombia Survey

This study examines the association between self-reported visual impairment and the occurrence of falls among older adults using data from the SABE Colombia 2015 survey. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, including 23,694 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older. Falls within the previous year were analyzed in relation to visual impairment, sociodemographic characteristics, environmental factors, functional status, and health conditions. Results showed that approximately half of participants reported visual impairment, and nearly one-third experienced at least one fall, with a high proportion of recurrent falls. Factors associated with a lower risk of falling included adequate lighting, presence of railings, and living in rural areas, while uneven surfaces, environmental obstacles, functional dependence, fear of falling, and certain comorbidities (such as cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis) were associated with increased risk. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of falls in older adults with visual impairment and emphasize the importance of environmental modifications, functional assessment, and preventive strategies in geriatric care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.