Impact of Visual Impairment on Well-being and coping strategies used by low vision patients
Description
Low vision is a global health problem, and visual impairment profoundly affects the individu-al’s capability to fulfill the activities of everyday life effectively. Low vision is a chronic stressor. To manage the different stressful conditions patients can develop several kinds of coping strate-gies. The objectives of this study were to assess the factors affecting coping strategies and the Impact of Visual Impairment and association between them. A cross-sectional study was carried out in low Vision department of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ASTEH) in 380 patients of low vi-sion by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from already labeled low-vision patients by using structured questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS 26.0. We found that severity of visual impairment is associated with greater impact on visual functioning and emotional well-being. The use of avoidant coping deteriorates the emotional and functional well-being of patients. However, using social support and problem solving ap-proaches can improve the functional well-being of patients by overall increasing the quality of life. Low vision specialist should educate patients about the role of coping strategies and en-courage them to adopt active strategies rather than avoidant ones to improve their well-being.