Vision disorders

Summary

Currently, there does not exist a model for the psychological response to loss of vision. Any disorder that impairs sensory functioning is likely to have profound psychological effects. Acquired blindness requires a radical revision of one's basic assumptions about the world. One would expect the psychological response to loss of vision to be different under circumstances of sudden rather than of gradual loss of vision. Symptoms that have a gradual onset may be accompanied by coping strategies employed to compensate for diminishing sight ability and to reduce the negative consequences associated with that loss (Green et al., 2002). This means that those who experience a gradual onset have more time to prepare themselves for the changes that are occurring but at the same time these changes may be easier to ignore thereby hindering the initiation of appropriate coping resources.

Low vision

Low vision has been defined as a permanent visual impairment that is not correctable with spectacles, contact lenses or surgical intervention and that interferes with normal daily living (Mehr, 1975). Vision loss has been ranked third, behind arthritis and heart disease, among conditions that cause persons over 70 to need assistance with daily living activities (LaPlante, 1988). It is estimated that over one million people in the UK could be registered as blind or partially sighted (Bruce et al., 1991).

Patients with low vision tend to score lower in physical functioning and higher in role limitations caused by physical and emotional health problems (Scott et al., 1999).