How Can Vision Impairment Affect Mental Health? 

Meeting the needs of adults with anxiety or depression

Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse among American adults spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the national public health emergency expired on May 11, 2023, the gaps in the nation's mental health infrastructure remain. 

Across the country, government entities, schools, healthcare institutions, community-based organizations, and health plans continue to work together to invest in expanding and strengthening the mental health workforce, connecting more Americans to care, and creating a continuum of support to help address the diverse factors that impact mental health. These factors include illness—in oneself or a loved one, particularly chronic diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis. 

The connection between physical health and mental health is also true for vision impairment. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that adults with general vision impairment (GVI) have higher odds of psychological distress. In fact, one out of every four adults (25%) with vision impairment report experiencing anxiety or depression. Adults aged 18 to 39 with GVI are at much higher risk for mental health concerns. Feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation due to vision loss are common in these cases. When anxiety goes untreated, it can lead to clinical depression. 

Ensuring that your members with vision loss or risk of vision loss are screened for mental health needs is an easy way to improve quality of life for your members, which may improve their satisfaction with your plan. 

With nearly one-third of the American population either living with vision impairment or at risk of severe vision loss, your health plan can help prevent the possibility of mental health problems triggered by vision loss in two simple ways: 

1.    Ensure your plans offer comprehensive vision benefits, including enhanced benefits for members at higher risk of vision loss due to co-morbid conditions (e.g., diabetes).
2.    Work with your vision vendors, like VSP™, to ensure members are accessing vision care on a regular basis. 

VSP has long held the mantra that eye care is health care, including mental health care. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how VSP and iCare can help your members see well and be well. 

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with VSP.