People with vision impairment prone to psychosocial problems

Vision impairment appears to contribute to several psychosocial outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation, according to a study.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study round 9 (2019) and 11 (2021), which involved Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. A total of 2,822 community-dwelling adults (mean age 78.5 years, 54.7 percent women) were identified and included in the analysis.

Assessments for binocular distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity were performed. Those who had distance visual acuity of worse than 20/40, near visual acuity of worse than 20/40, or contrast sensitivity of worse than 1.55 logCS were deemed to have objectively measured vision impairment. Self-reported vision impairment was defined based on participants’ report on their vision status.

Outcomes such as depressive and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire. Social isolation was defined based on living arrangement, communication frequency, and activity participation responses.

Of the participants, 1,077 (32.3 percent) had objectively measured vision impairment while 203 (6.4 percent) had self-reported vision impairment. Multivariable models showed that objectively measured vision impairment was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.81, 95 percent CI, 1.26–2.58), anxiety symptoms (OR, 1.74, 95 percent CI, 1.13–2.67), and severe social isolation (OR, 2.01, 95 percent CI, 1.05–3.87).

Meanwhile, self-reported vision impairment was associated with twofold greater odds of having depressive symptoms (OR, 2.37, 95 percent CI, 1.44–3.88) and anxiety symptoms (OR, 2.10, 95 percent CI, 1.09–4.05) but not severe social isolation symptoms (OR, 2.07, 95 percent CI, 0.78–5.49).

These findings provide evidence to support prioritizing research aimed at enhancing the health and inclusion of people with vision impairment.