Vision loss affects more than eyesight. Learn how blindness and low vision impact mental health, and what support and coping strategies can help.

How Blindness and Low Vision Affect Mental Health: What You Need to Know

For the approximately 50 million American adults who experience some degree of vision loss (according to data from the National Health Interview Survey), being unable to see well—or at all—may significantly impact mental health.

The Connection Between Vision Loss and Mental Health

In the book, “Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness: The Process of Responding to Life’s Demands,” authors Dean and Naomi Tuttle describe seven stages of adjusting to vision loss:

• Trauma
• Shock and denial
• Mourning and withdrawal
• Succumbing and depression
• Reassessment and reaffirmation
• Coping and mobilization
• Self-acceptance and self-esteem

Learn more about these stages of vision loss

Studies confirm that people who are born blind or lose vision early in life often adjust more easily to living without sight than adults who lose their vision due to glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or other causes. The inability to perform once simple tasks—from grocery shopping or doing the laundry to getting showered, dressed, and ready for work—disrupt familiar routines, undermine self-confidence, impede independence, and can lead to a mental health crisis.

Why Losing Your Sight Affects More Than Just How You See

Sudden loss of independence can bring fear of becoming a burden to others, feelings of worthlessness, and an inability to see the future with optimism. Without proper support, including guidance from a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, these challenges can overwhelm and lead to anxiety, isolation, feelings of hopelessness, and depression.

How Common Are Depression and Anxiety in People with Vision Loss?

In a recent CDC study, one in four adults with vision loss reported anxiety or depression, with younger adults living with blindness or low vision having nearly five times the risk of serious anxiety or depression compared to older adults.

Depression and anxiety are far too common—and overlooked—among people living with vision loss. In recent studies, including the Big Data Project Reports, blind and low vision adults of all ages reported anxiety and depression at nearly double the rate of their sighted contemporaries. Adults with vision loss also face negative impacts across all Social Determinants of Health, including more chronic health issues, reduced access to healthcare, and greater barriers to transportation, education, and employment, all of which can negatively affect mental health.

Why the Blindness/Mental Health Connection Is Unrecognized and Undertreated

Often, medical professionals, family, colleagues, and friends see blindness and low vision as a physical issue. The symptoms of depression that appear in someone who has recently lost their vision—fatigue, irritability, changes in weight or eating habits, self-isolating, and withdrawal from once enjoyable activities—are frequently misinterpreted as normal responses to the stress of adjusting to vision loss. Many mental health professionals, experts in recognizing the signs of serious depression, lack the specialized training necessary to counsel people living with vision loss effectively. Many older adults also live with hearing loss, and the combination of significant vision and hearing loss can create even more profound mental health impact.

Coping Strategies That Actually Help

Family, friends, and Vision Rehabilitation professionals can provide the tools, training, and support that people living with blindness and low vision need to thrive. Maintaining a healthy, active daily routine, eating well, staying fit, and enjoying the company of others fuel a fulfilling, productive life, particularly for people learning to live with vision loss. If your friend or loved one is struggling, learn the signs of depression and self-isolation. Encourage them to resume their favorite hobbies and activities, including accessible options, and help them discover new ones. Keep them engaged and help them connect with available services.

Vision Rehabilitation Services can provide a crucial lifeline, including independent living training, orientation and mobility training, assistive technology and adaptive devices, support groups and counseling, and much more. Nothing is more empowering than navigating your home and community safely and confidently while reclaiming a more independent life.

Mindfulness, Routine, and Rebuilding a Sense of Control

Mindfulness practices that emphasize the other senses can help people living with vision loss manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and enhance their quality of life. These include mindful breathing, tactile engagement, and mindful meditation practices created specifically for people with blindness or low vision.

Establishing and maintaining new routines throughout the day can go a long way toward restoring consistency, stability, and a sense of control—essential components of good mental health. 

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