A new study estimated the relationship between vision impairment and self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression among older adults in Nigeria.
Almost 4,000 participants were included in the study. After adjusting for individual and household level confounders, the odds of experiencing anxiety and/or depression were higher among people with vision impairment compared with those with normal vision, and the odds were greatest for people with the most severe vision loss.
These findings are consistent with evidence from high-income country settings, which suggests that vision impairment contributes to the burden of mental illness.
Why does vision impairment contribute to mental illness?
There are a few theories:
1. Vision loss can lead to difficulties with daily activities, including instrumental activities of daily living that allow an individual to live independently in their community.
2. Limited physical activity could also increase the risk of social isolation and loneliness.
3. Mental health and poverty are closely connected, and people in low- and middle-income countries who are visually impaired are known to have fewer opportunities to engage in economically productive activities.
The take home.
This study shows that the mental health burden among people with vision impairment in low- and middle-income countries may be substantial, particularly among older men, underscoring the importance of targeted policies and programs addressing the preventable causes of vision impairment and blindness.