Clinically Relevant Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression in Low-Vision Community-Living Older Adults

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association of low vision with clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression among community-living older adults seeking vision rehabilitation services. Methods: Differences in the prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression (assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) between 148 persons with low vision and a reference sample (n = 5,279), all >= 57 years, were compared. Results: A total of 14.9% of the older persons with vision loss had clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and 14.2% had clinically relevant symptoms of depression. These percentages were at least as twice as high as in the reference sample. Conclusion: Vision loss is substantially associated with both symptoms of anxiety and depression. Healthcare professionals may improve their quality of care and the quality of life of their clients as they take such information into account in their intervention work.