Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffect on Mental HealthCoping With StressSymptoms of StressAdjusting to Vision Loss
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effect on Mental Health
Coping With Stress
Symptoms of Stress
Adjusting to Vision Loss
Research shows that the primary causes ofvision lossin the United States are associated with advanced age. These conditions includecataracts,diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, andage-related macular degeneration (AMD).These diseases stem fromhigh blood pressureor poor circulation in the tiny blood vessels inside the eye.
Not surprisingly, vision loss can lead to a great deal of mental stress.However, research also shows that not only is stress a result of vision loss, but stress may also worsen vision loss.
This article will explore the connection between vision loss and mental health, share insights from experts on how to manage the psychological impact of vision loss, and present expert advice on coping strategies for individuals experiencing vision loss.
The Link Between Vision Loss and Mental Health
The impact of vision loss goes beyond physical health concerns. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with vision loss are at a higher risk for developing the following:
According to a 2022 study, 1 in 4 adults with vision loss report experiencing these mental health concerns.Additionally, the research revealed, younger individuals experiencing vision loss are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe anxiety or depressioncompared to those who are 65 years old or older.
Therefore, individuals with vision loss must be screened for depression and anxiety, as untreated mental health issues can further diminish their quality of life.
Studies have also indicated a bidirectional relationship between mental stress and vision loss symptoms.This means that mental stress is not only a result of vision loss; it can contribute to developing vision loss symptoms.
Stress-related vision problems may include:
Coping With Stress From Vision Loss
There are several strategies you can use tocalm your nervous systemand try to stem stress related to vision loss, including the following:
Deep-Breathing Exercises
Research shows thatdiaphragmatic breathingcan activate relaxation responses within the body, improving both physical and mental well-being.
Diaphragmatic breathing is a relaxation method that involves intentional, slow, and deep breaths.This technique requires inhaling gradually through the nostrils and exhaling through the mouth using the belly rather than the chest.
Support
It’s important to have a network of supportive friends and family that you can turn to during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to confide in them about your worries and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. If you’re feeling particularly stressed, it may also be helpful to seek the help of a therapist.
Physical Activity
Moving more may help decrease your risk of acquiring the health issues that can further affect your eyes. Physical activity also can promote positive mental health.
Meditation
Meditating has been shown to lead to small to moderate reductions of multiple negative dimensions of stress, such as anxiety, depression, and pain.
Aromatherapy
Keep a Journal
Journaling provides an outlet for emotions and allows you to express your thoughts and feelings, which can help you process and cope with them. Writing in a journal can also help with rumination—times when you repeatedly get stuck thinking about the same negative thoughts. Writing can help explore thoughts and feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental way.
Taking steps to manage your stress may ultimately improve some stress-related vision symptoms.
Symptoms: What Is Stress?
Stress is categorized into these two main types:
Symptoms of stress include:
Living with vision loss can be an incredibly challenging experience. It can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their ability to navigate their environment to their sense of independence and self-esteem.
Adjusting to a new way of life can be difficult and overwhelming, especially if the vision loss is sudden or unexpected. Activities that were once simple, like reading a book or taking a walk, can become daunting and frustrating. Even basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and dressing oneself can become much more difficult without the ability to see well.
Some eye conditions can be treated to restore vision, but some cannot. Fortunately, there is a variety of aids and technologies available to help people who experience vision loss or blindness.
Important strategies to cope with vision loss include:
Summary
Coping with vision loss often requires significant patience, resilience, and support from loved ones. It may involve learning new skills and strategies to navigate the world and finding ways to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
Despite these challenges, many people with vision loss live fulfilling lives and find ways to adapt and thrive, often with the help of assistive technology, community resources, and supportive networks. If you or a loved one is experiencing vision loss, talk to your healthcare provider for more resources to help you deal with your condition.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sabel, B.A., Wang, J., Cárdenas-Morales, L.et al.Mental stress as consequence and cause of vision loss: The dawn of psychosomatic ophthalmology for preventive and personalized medicine.EPMA Journal9, 133–160 (2018). doi:10.1007/s13167-018-0136-8American Heart Association.How high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental stress.Lundeen EA, Saydah S, Ehrlich JR, Saaddine J.Self-reported vision impairment and psychological distress in u. S. Adults.Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2022;29(2):171-181. doi:10.1080/09286586.2021.1918177Optometrists Network.Treatments for stress-related vision problems.Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al.The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults.Front Psychol. 2017;8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874National Institutes of Health.Diaphragmatic breathing.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental health.Sharma H.Meditation: Process and effects.Ayu. 2015;36(3):233–237. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.182756Ke M-H, Hsieh K-T, Hsieh W-Y.Effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health and pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the community.Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(10):4823. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104823Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(4):e11290. doi:10.2196/11290Medline plus.Stress and your health.Mind.org.Stress.Braille Institute.Strategies for coping with vision loss.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sabel, B.A., Wang, J., Cárdenas-Morales, L.et al.Mental stress as consequence and cause of vision loss: The dawn of psychosomatic ophthalmology for preventive and personalized medicine.EPMA Journal9, 133–160 (2018). doi:10.1007/s13167-018-0136-8American Heart Association.How high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental stress.Lundeen EA, Saydah S, Ehrlich JR, Saaddine J.Self-reported vision impairment and psychological distress in u. S. Adults.Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2022;29(2):171-181. doi:10.1080/09286586.2021.1918177Optometrists Network.Treatments for stress-related vision problems.Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al.The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults.Front Psychol. 2017;8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874National Institutes of Health.Diaphragmatic breathing.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental health.Sharma H.Meditation: Process and effects.Ayu. 2015;36(3):233–237. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.182756Ke M-H, Hsieh K-T, Hsieh W-Y.Effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health and pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the community.Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(10):4823. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104823Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(4):e11290. doi:10.2196/11290Medline plus.Stress and your health.Mind.org.Stress.Braille Institute.Strategies for coping with vision loss.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sabel, B.A., Wang, J., Cárdenas-Morales, L.et al.Mental stress as consequence and cause of vision loss: The dawn of psychosomatic ophthalmology for preventive and personalized medicine.EPMA Journal9, 133–160 (2018). doi:10.1007/s13167-018-0136-8American Heart Association.How high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental stress.Lundeen EA, Saydah S, Ehrlich JR, Saaddine J.Self-reported vision impairment and psychological distress in u. S. Adults.Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2022;29(2):171-181. doi:10.1080/09286586.2021.1918177Optometrists Network.Treatments for stress-related vision problems.Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al.The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults.Front Psychol. 2017;8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874National Institutes of Health.Diaphragmatic breathing.Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental health.Sharma H.Meditation: Process and effects.Ayu. 2015;36(3):233–237. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.182756Ke M-H, Hsieh K-T, Hsieh W-Y.Effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health and pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the community.Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(10):4823. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104823Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(4):e11290. doi:10.2196/11290Medline plus.Stress and your health.Mind.org.Stress.Braille Institute.Strategies for coping with vision loss.
Sabel, B.A., Wang, J., Cárdenas-Morales, L.et al.Mental stress as consequence and cause of vision loss: The dawn of psychosomatic ophthalmology for preventive and personalized medicine.EPMA Journal9, 133–160 (2018). doi:10.1007/s13167-018-0136-8
American Heart Association.How high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.
Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental stress.
Lundeen EA, Saydah S, Ehrlich JR, Saaddine J.Self-reported vision impairment and psychological distress in u. S. Adults.Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 2022;29(2):171-181. doi:10.1080/09286586.2021.1918177
Optometrists Network.Treatments for stress-related vision problems.
Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al.The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on attention, negative affect and stress in healthy adults.Front Psychol. 2017;8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874
National Institutes of Health.Diaphragmatic breathing.
Centers for Disease Control.Vision loss and mental health.
Sharma H.Meditation: Process and effects.Ayu. 2015;36(3):233–237. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.182756
Ke M-H, Hsieh K-T, Hsieh W-Y.Effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health and pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the community.Applied Sciences. 2022; 12(10):4823. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12104823
Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Ment Health 2018;5(4):e11290. doi:10.2196/11290
Medline plus.Stress and your health.
Mind.org.Stress.
Braille Institute.Strategies for coping with vision loss.
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