Dr. Aditya Nakade, Dr. (Mrs) Upreet Dhaliwal, Dr. Jolly Rohatgi
Rationale: Rehabilitation of the blind is burdensome and depends on adjustment to loss. Aim: To assess adjustment to acquired vision loss in adults. Methods: Observational study; demographic data and distant vision was recorded. We measured adjustment (AS-WAS scale), depression (CES-D), social support (DUSOCS) and personality (TIPI).
Results: Some degree of adjustment had occurred (range 33-60%; mean 43.6±5.73). Patients felt unsupported (Median 27.2; IQR 18.1–36.3). Depression was seen (range 17-50; mean 31.6±6.01). Personalities with low emotional stability were more depressed (Spearman rho -0.365; p value 0.047).
Conclusion: By paying attention to the support network and predominant personality type of persons with blindness, we may be able to identify those at risk of depression and refer them for intervention. Training them in the handling of emotions, and training family members to respond to their emotional needs, might help.