Are your vision struggles impacting your mental health?
Share
This year’s Black History Month is themed around Black Wellness and Mental Health. Our friends at NVISION Eye Centers want you to know that your vision struggles could be impacting your mental health.
Black Americans and Their Vision Struggles:
African Americans tend to be more susceptible to certain eye diseases and we are less likely to seek out treatment. That can cause a real predicament for our Black communities.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation found that glaucoma is the primary cause of blindness among African Americans. We are 15 times more likely to experience a loss of vision due to glaucoma as compared to white Americans.
Other medical conditions like Hypertension and Diabetes can also lead to issues that affect our eyesight. Overall, African Americans have a higher chance of developing eye diseases and suffer a loss of vision.
Additionally, due to socio-economics and education policies in Black-majoriy areas, Black Americans also lack the information on treatment of eye diseases and issues. Black patients are also less likely to have health insurance when compared to white patients. Without medical insurance, they are less likely to go to a doctor when their vision starts to deteriorate.
How Does Your Vision Impact Your Mental Health?
Vision issues can negatively impact both your physical well-being and mental health.
More than 2 billion people in the world have either distance or near vision impairment.
Depression: Vision loss can double your risk for struggling with depression. When it is hard to see and complete everyday life tasks as expected, it’s common to get frustrated, upset, disoriented, and sad.
Anxiety: Vision loss can increase the risk for anxiety, loneliness, and unintentional injuries. It can be easy to panic about not being able to do the things you are used to being able to do.
Social withdrawal: Vision issues can make it harder to get around. They limit your ability to get yourself places by driving. They can make you less likely to want to leave your house due to feelings of anxiety, depression, embarrassment, and inadequacy. In this way, vision loss and impairment can also lead to social isolation and withdrawal.
Medications: Vision issues can be caused or compounded by treatment for anxiety and depression disorders. Many of the prescribed medications can cause mydriasis (dilation of the pupil), blurred vision, difficulties with color perception, and a higher risk for diabetes, which can lead to vision issues and loss.
Learn More:
To Learn More about how eye diseases in Black and African American Communities, please visit:
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/eye-disease-statistics/african-american/
To learn more about the Mental Health Effects of Vision Issues, please visit:
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/mental-health-guide/
To Learn More about Treatments for your vision struggles, please visit:
