GUEST POST BY - Aidrick A. Ortega | Outreach Coordinator
How Vision Issues can affect your Mental Health
Medical researchers have found close links between eye health and mental health. People with vision impairments often develop mental health problems like anxiety and depression because of the stress of living with their condition.
People with mental health problems are also more likely to develop vision issues later in life. If you have vision problems, it is important to take care of your mental health as well. Seeking help from your doctor, a counsellor or an advocacy organization can help you manage the impact of your condition and protect your mental well-being.
Losing your sight can have a devastating impact on your mental health. Without the ability to see, you will lose a vital sense that plays a key part in your ability to form memories and interact with the world. You will also have to develop new strategies to accomplish everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, and even getting around your home.
In most cases, getting treatment for these eye conditions improves patients’ quality of life and their mental outlook. That’s why it is most important to seek help if you feel affected by this.
Here are some tips medical doctors recommend for Healthy Eyes and a Healthy Mind:
Eat well. A balanced diet will provide you with all the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your eyes healthy. Leafy greens (like spinach and kale) and fish that are high in Omega-3 fats (such as salmon and tuna) are especially beneficial.
Stay active. Physical activity produces mood-boosting brain chemicals and reduces your risk of developing conditions that can cause vision problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Do not smoke. Smoking can damage your optic nerve and increase your risk of eye problems like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Visit your eye doctor regularly. Comprehensive eye exams can identify most vision problems, even in their early stages. If your doctor spots a problem, you can begin treatment immediately to slow the progression of the disease.
You can learn more about the close link between mental health and your vision in the following pages provided by Myvision.org: https://myvision.org/guides/mental-health
Written by - Aidrick A. Ortega | Outreach Coordinator
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