Title: Appearance Concerns in Ophthalmic Patients 4

27 Aims: This study aimed to determine the psychosocial and appearance related 28 concerns of a sample of ophthalmic patients by measuring a range of 29 psychological, social and demographic factors. 30 Methods: Standardised psychological measures including anxiety, depression, 31 appearance related distress, self discrepancy, appearance salience and valence 32 were administered to 98 participants attending ophthalmic outpatient clinics in 33 either London, Bristol, Sheffield or Bradford. Differences between groups were 34 explored using t-tests and ANOVA, relationships between all variables were 35 investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient. 36 Results: Although mean scores for psychological adjustment were within the 37 normal range, some participants were experiencing considerable levels of 38 generalized anxiety. Being older, male and being married or living with a partner 39 was related to significantly better adjustment. Better adjustment was also related 40 to a less visible area of concern, greater disguisability of the affected area, a 41 more positive evaluation of their own appearance, less engagement in 42 comparing themselves to others, greater feelings of being accepted by others, 43 appearance being less important to their self concept and a smaller discrepancy 44 between the persons ideal and actual appearance. 45 Conclusions: A majority of ophthalmic patients adjust positively to the demands 46 placed upon them. By identifying the variables which are associated with 47 successful adaptation, the specific psychological interventions and appropriate 48 systems of support can be put in place to help those who are adversely affected. 49