Is Homelessness a Risk Factor for Eye Disease?

By Dr. Kevin -
This study revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of optic nerve atrophy in homeless people. The prevalence for cataract and legal blindness was slightly higher than in representative epidemiological investigations. Homelessness seems to be correlated with an increased ocular morbidity.

SOURCE: Pitz S, Kramann C, Krummenauer F, et al. Is homelessness a risk factor for eye disease? Ophthalmologica. 2005;219(6):345-9.

DR. KEVIN'S COMMENTS:

Why would homelessness and optic atrophy be correlated? Could it possibly be because of nutritional deficiency? Interesting study.

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