Vision Loss and Mental Health

elderly man talking to people

Managing vision loss can take a toll on your physical and mental health. It’s ok to ask for help from family, friends, and support groups.

Did you know that vision loss can affect your mental health? Learn what you can do to keep your eyes and your mind healthy.

More than 7 million Americans have vision impairment, including 1 million who are blind. Another 93 million US adults are at risk for severe vision loss. These numbers are expected to increase because of the aging population and increase in chronic diseases.

What We Know About Vision Loss and Mental Health

Vision loss can affect your physical health by increasing your risk of falls and your quality of life, and it can also have a big impact on your mental health. Loss of vision has been linked to loneliness, social isolation, and feelings of worry, anxiety, and fear.

Depression is common in people with vision loss. In a recent CDC studyexternal icon, 1 in 4 adults with vision loss reported anxiety or depression. Younger adults with vision loss had almost 5 times the risk of serious anxiety or depression compared to adults 65 and older, possibly because they had not yet developed effective coping or self-management skills.

Untreated anxiety can increase the risk of developing depression. People who have vision loss should be screened for depression and anxiety. The sooner these problems are treated, the better their quality of life will be.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Talk with your doctor if you’re having symptoms of anxiety or depression, and ask for a referral to a mental health counselor.

Some common symptoms of anxietyexternal icon are:

  • Trouble controlling feelings of worry
  • Trouble focusing
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling restless, wound up, or on edge
  • Being irritable

Some common symptoms of depression are:

  • Lack of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Often feeling sad or anxious
  • Feeling helpless or worthless
  • Appetite and/or weight changes
  • Fatigue or lack of energy, even after sleeping well

Get mental health tools and resources here.

5 Tips for Healthy Eyes and a Healthy Mind

  1. Add more movement to your day. Physical activity not only lowers your risk of developing health problems that can affect your vision but can also boost your mood and reduce stress.
  2. Eat healthy. Nutritious food can improve your mood and help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetic retinopathy—one of the leading causes of vision loss.
  3. Share your family history with your doctor. Both mental health disorders and eye diseases can run in families.
  4. Don’t smoke. People with mental health problems die an average of 5 years earlier than those without, often from smoking-related illness. Smoking also increases your risk of developing an eye disease that can cause vision loss.
  5. Manage your chronic conditions. Long-term health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes may increase your chance of developing a mental health problem. Make sure to take your medicines as prescribed and make recommended lifestyle changes to help manage your condition.