Ophthalmologists must be aware of signs that indicate elder abuse, according to a presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in San Francisco late last year.

Dr Suzann Peshing, from Standford University, said approximately 5–15% of older adults are impacted by elder abuse.

“When I found this statistic, it was quite sobering. It makes it very likely that most of us do indeed see patients who are subjected to some form of elder abuse,” Dr Pershing said.

Elder abuse encompasses neglect; abandonment; physical, sexual, and verbal abuse; and financial exploitation.

Detecting signs of abuse as an ophthalmologist can be difficult, but eye health professionals should be wary of unexplained or frequent injuries and subconjunctival, vitreous, or retinal haemorrhages with an atypical presentation, Dr Pershing said.

“Large bruises, particularly on the face, arm, neck and ears can also indicate abuse.”

She said conflicting accounts of events from the patients and caregivers may also be indicators of elder abuse.