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Vision Impairment and Psychosocial Function in US Adults
Louay Almidani1, Rhonda Miller1, Varshini Varadaraj2
1Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
JAMA Ophthalmology
|February 22, 2024
Summary
Vision impairment in older adults is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and social isolation. These findings highlight the need for better support and research for individuals with vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Geriatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Vision impairment is a significant cause of morbidity in the US, affecting psychosocial well-being.
- Limited national data exist on the association between vision impairment and psychosocial function post-COVID-19.
- Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the psychosocial impacts of vision loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine current national estimates of the association between vision impairment and mental health outcomes in US adults aged 65 and older.
- To examine the relationship between objectively measured and self-reported vision impairment with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and social isolation.
- To provide updated data following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2019 and 2021).
- Inclusion of a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+.
- Objective vision assessment included distance acuity, near acuity, and contrast sensitivity; subjective assessment used self-report. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire; social isolation was defined by living arrangements, communication, and activity participation.
Main Results:
- Among 2,822 participants, 32.3% had objectively measured vision impairment and 6.4% had self-reported vision impairment.
- Objectively measured vision impairment was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (OR, 1.81), anxiety symptoms (OR, 1.74), and severe social isolation (OR, 2.01).
- Self-reported vision impairment was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (OR, 2.37) and anxiety symptoms (OR, 2.10), but not severe social isolation.
Conclusions:
- Vision impairment, both objective and self-reported, is significantly associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes in older US adults.
- The findings underscore the importance of addressing vision impairment to improve mental health and reduce social isolation in this population.
- Further research and interventions are warranted to enhance the health and social inclusion of individuals with vision impairment.
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