Vision impairment affects millions around the world. Though many are aware of the physical impacts of low vision, its profound effects on one’s mental well-being are often overlooked or less well-known. Around one in four adults with vision impairment reported experiencing psychological distress. Since low vision hampers daily activities and quality of life, it’s often linked to issues like depression, anxiety, social isolation, stress, and more. When left untreated or unaddressed, it can further affect mental health.
Managing and treating vision loss is crucial for improving physical and mental wellness. Here’s how vision impairment can impact mental health and what can be done about it:
How vision impairment affects mental health?
Loneliness
People with vision impairment may find it much more difficult to participate in social activities. Having difficulty with seeing visual cues when communicating with others can cause them to lose out on crucial non-verbal social information, impacting their ability to interact with others. As such, many with low vision may face loneliness due to their impeded social function. It may lower self-esteem and discourage them from reaching out to others for fear that they won’t be able to communicate well, leading to isolation.
Anxiety
Vision impairment—whether it happens suddenly or gradually—may be a source of anxiety and stress to those afflicted by it. There may be uncertainty if they may go blind or have to undergo medical procedures to correct it. Low vision may also cause them to be more fearful of their surroundings, as they have difficulty detecting changes or movement in the environment. A fear of the unknown can make them feel restless or worried constantly.
Depression
Low vision can lead to feelings of depression. Those who struggle with vision impairment may lose some independence in their daily life and not be able to do the activities they enjoy, severely affecting their quality of life. Low vision may also affect employment opportunities, as employers may see it as a hindrance to their performance. Dealing with vision loss is a significant change in one’s life, and with change comes struggles as it shifts one’s habits, forces one to confront internal conflicts, and can feel like losing control. All these can compound and cause great feelings of sadness and helplessness, affecting their mental state.
How low vision be managed
Proper eyewear
One of the simplest ways to manage low vision is to use the proper corrective eyewear. Glasses can correct vision and relieve related issues to poor eyesight. It’s also easier than ever to find a suitable pair, as online retailers offer many brands and styles. Stylish frames like the Franky or Cassidy from Glasses Direct can boost self-esteem while providing vision correction and improving mental health. Comprehensive tools and guidance can also enhance the process. You can do a free home trial to try on the best frames, enjoy discounts and free returns, and get professional service and care from opticians without visiting a physical store.
Get eye tests regularly
Eye exams are critical for managing low vision and detecting eye conditions, but few regularly have them done. To prevent further loss of vision, it’s important to get an eye exam done at least every two years or every year if you’re at an older age. Consulting a professional can help you determine how to treat low vision in a way that’s best for your needs so you can find comfort and relief,
Use assistive tech and tools
Low vision may require the use of assistive technology and tools to increase your independence and allow you to have more control over your daily life. Things like magnifiers, canes, and screen readers can help you see better and work around hurdles caused by low vision. Technology has also advanced enough to be more accessible, allowing you to customize your device settings to accommodate your vision. Mobile apps like Seeing AI use artificial intelligence to scan pictures and describe the images, helping you understand your environment better. These tools aren’t a sign of weakness but rather important devices to guide you through the challenges of vision impairment, which can significantly improve your mental well-being.
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