DR. ANDREW R. DEEMER, MD

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This study looked at programs designed to help adults with visual impairments manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Researchers analyzed 20 different studies involving over 3,100 participants and found that these self-management interventions had little to no impact on improving overall health-related quality of life or vision-related quality of life. For instance, the change in health-related quality of life scores was very small, with a standardized mean difference of just -0.09, indicating the intervention may not lead to significant improvements. Who this helps: This research is relevant for older adults with visual impairments and healthcare professionals working with them.

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This study investigated whether training for new magnifying devices is more effective when done remotely through telerehabilitation or in-person at an office for individuals with low vision. Researchers found that, on average, participants improved their reading ability by 0.61 logits in the first month after training and by an additional 0.44 logits in the following months, with no significant difference between those who received telerehabilitation and those who trained in the office. This is important because it shows that remote training can be just as effective as in-person visits, providing more flexible options for improving reading skills for those with visual impairments. Who this helps: This helps patients with low vision who may benefit from more convenient training options.

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This study looked at two different methods of using head-mounted technology to help people with low vision improve their ability to read. Researchers tested 88 participants and found that both methods led to better reading abilities, with reading improvement being statistically significant. This information is important because it shows that head-mounted devices can effectively enhance vision for people with low vision. Who this helps: Patients with low vision.

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This study looked at how handheld, illuminated magnifiers can help visually impaired adults read longer texts like books and magazines. After using the magnifiers for a month, participants improved their reading speed by an average of 14 words per minute, with those who read slower at the start seeing the most significant gains. This is important because it shows that these magnifiers can not only assist with short readings but can also help people read more and faster over longer periods, enhancing their reading experience and independence. Who this helps: Visually impaired adults looking to improve their reading skills.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 changed the types of injuries children experienced and their hospital outcomes. Researchers found that injuries were more likely to happen at home during the pandemic, rising from 44.7% to 54.9%, while injuries from sports and schools dropped significantly. Unfortunately, children with injuries had longer hospital stays and higher death rates during COVID-19, with mortality increasing from 1.3% to 3.8%. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and public health officials working to protect children's health during and after pandemics.

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This study looked at orthopedic injuries in adult patients at trauma centers in Pennsylvania before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that during the pandemic, there were 26% fewer injuries and procedures compared to previous years and a 50% increase in the number of patients who died from these injuries, with mortality rates jumping from 4% to 6.1%. This matters because the decrease in injuries and increase in deaths suggest that resources need to be better allocated during pandemics to safeguard the health of trauma patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with traumatic orthopedic injuries and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at whether the medication diltiazem could help prevent a common heart rhythm problem called postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients who had minimally invasive lung surgery (thoracoscopic lobectomy). Researchers found that diltiazem did not lower the rates of POAF, which affected about 12.5% of the patients, regardless of whether they received the drug or not. Specifically, older patients (ages 65-74 and 75 and older) were more likely to develop POAF, with odds increasing by about 2.88 and 2.62 times, respectively, compared to those under 65. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors treating older patients undergoing lung surgery, as it clarifies that diltiazem is not effective in preventing POAF.

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This study examined how often older adults with hearing, vision, or both types of impairments have someone accompany them to healthcare visits. It found that those with vision impairments were over twice as likely, and those with both hearing and vision impairments were nearly three times as likely, to bring someone with them compared to those without sensory impairments. This is important because it highlights the need for healthcare providers to support these patients' communication and transportation needs, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic when visitor restrictions may be in place. Who this helps: This helps older adults with sensory impairments and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how caring for older adults with both vision impairment and dementia impacts caregivers. They found that caregivers for those with both conditions spent 1.7 times more hours on care compared to those without either issue, and they reported 3.2 times more valued activities affected by caregiving. This is important because it highlights the additional demands on caregivers, which can affect their well-being and the quality of care provided. Who this helps: This helps caregivers of older adults facing both vision impairment and dementia.