Vision-Specific Distress and Depressive Symptoms in People with Vision Impairment

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the unique contribution of vision-specific distress in predicting depressive symptoms in people with vision impairment attending a tertiary eye care clinic. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, interview-administered surveys were conducted with 143 adult patients who had presenting visual acuity <0.3 logMAR. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and vision-specific distress was assessed with the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) Questionnaire emotional well-being subscale. In addition, level of restriction of participation in common daily activities due to vision impairment was assessed with the IVI and measures of general physical..