Background: Low vision rehabilitation (LVR) aims to improve functional independence in elderly individuals with irreversible age-related ocular diseases. Psychological adaptation, however, may require long-term intervention.
Objective: To evaluate psychological outcomes of long-term LVR in elderly patients with age-related visual impairment.
Methods: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted at a tertiary low vision rehabilitation center. Seventy-two patients aged ≥60 years with irreversible visual impairment were assessed at baseline and after long-term rehabilitation using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), vision-related self-efficacy instruments, and NEI VFQ-25.
Results: Significant reductions were observed in depression (GDS: 9.8±3.1 to 6.4±2.7, p<0.001) and anxiety (HADS-A: 10.2±2.8 to 7.1±2.4, p<0.001). Self-efficacy and vision-related quality of life improved significantly (p<0.001). Longer rehabilitation duration correlated with greater psychological gains.
Conclusion: Long-term LVR improves psychological wellbeing, self-efficacy, and quality of life in elderly patients, supporting the need for sustained rehabilitation services.
Keywords: Low vision rehabilitation, Psychological outcomes, Age-related ocular disease
| DOI: | 10.62502/nemj/v1i1art8 |
| Journal: | New Era Medical Journal |
| Abbreviation: | New Era Med. J. |
| ISSN (Online): | 3107-622X |
| Volume/Issue: | 1(2) |
| Pages: | 12-17 |