Psychological Impact of Vision Loss

A diagnosis of conditions leading to vision loss can be devastating and often impacts mental health. Understanding this allows us consider what provisions might help those who are impacted. We undertook 18 semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed eye disease explore its psychological impact. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), providing a snapshot their depression anxiety levels at time interview. NVivo-12 software (QSR International Ltd, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA) was used inductively analyse code data identify themes related had mean BDI score 9.6, thematic analysis generated five key associated subthemes. Coming terms included discussion subthemes “denial” moving towards “acceptance”. Effects on health depression/low mood, anxiety, stress-related worsening vision. Loss various losses following initial identity facing curtailed life, worry that visual impairment define person’s identity, feelings frustration own function others’ reactions disability. The future thoughts about long-term consequences, both negative positive (e.g., maximizing experiences given one has left). Although such will nearly always have impact require work move toward acceptance, support could mitigate health, as practical advice low aids), support.