Seniors with vision loss at higher risk of anxiety and depression

Do cataracts that reduce vision cause anxiety and depression?

Recent study findings published in JAMA Ophthalmology point to an increased risk of anxiety and depression amongst senior citizens who suffer from vision loss. In addition, patients who have mood disorders have an increased risk of vision impairment.

A research team led by Dr. Joshua R. Ehrlich from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor analyzed data from more than 75,000 older men and women and determined that 31% of those with impaired vision reported symptoms of depression compared to 13% of those without vision loss. The information was almost identical when looking at anxiety symptoms with 27% of those with vision loss reporting anxiety compared to 11% of those with normal vision.

The conclusion was that more than 40% of participants with some vision loss had either anxiety or depression symptoms, compared to 19% of those without vision impairment.

These study findings correlate with what doctors report in their own practices. With the link between vision loss and depression and anxiety now being recognized, physicians are being encouraged to include mental health screenings with their regular physical exams.