Seniors with Vision Loss: Resources for Independence

The loss of vision in adult years can have a dramatic effect on daily life and independence. The sites in this section advise on dealing with the emotional and psychological reactions to vision loss. Seniors and their families and friends will find information on grief, depression and the process of emotional adjustment.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

• Adjusting to Vision Loss
• Adjusting to Vision Loss: Organizations & Resources to Explore
• Research: Adjusting to Vision Loss

Adjusting to Vision Loss

AMD [Age-related Macular Degeneration] and Depression, AMD Alliance International
Information on depression, the psycho-social aspect of vision loss, depression, and finding support.

Coping with Depression, Lighthouse International
Helping older adults with recent vision loss who are coping with depression, including intervention strategies on the individual, social and community levels.

Coping with Vision Changes - What You Can Do, VisionAWARE
This article offers practical suggestions to identify what kind of help you may need to cope with the changes in your vision.

Coping with Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Information on the effects of vision loss on oneself and others; includes online video.

Coping with Your Emotions When You Lose Your Vision, VisionAWARE
Advice for dealing with the emotions that may follow vision loss.

Depression: It Can Happen to Anyone, Lighthouse International
Causes and warning signs of depression, advice for getting help for oneself or a family member, and a resource list.

Depression in Older Adults, Lighthouse International
Dr. Barry Lebowitz summarizes research on depression in older adults and discusses diagnosis and treatment.

Depression, Vision Loss and Vision Rehabilitation, Lighthouse International
Examination of the connection between vision loss and depression, and use of rehabilitation services; impact of rehab on functional ability and emotional well-being.

Emotional Adjustment to Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Advice for coping with vision loss, its emotional adjustments, and the reactions of families and friends; includes online videos.

AMD and Depression, AMD Alliance International
Information on aged-related vision loss, its psycho-social aspects, depression, and finding support; includes a review of the literature.

Handling the News: Reacting to Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
A look at common reactions to learning of vision loss, with an online video featuring one woman’s adjustment and her path to independence.

Low Vision and Depression, Lighthouse International
An outline of the connection between vision loss and depression, a list of common symptoms, ane the benefits of vision rehabilitation.

Psychosocial Aspects of the Adjustment Process, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Phases of the adjustment process and the role of professionals.

Saving Lives: The Impact of Vision Loss in Later Life, MD Support
Age-related macular degeneration’s impact on vision, function, social life, and emotions; the role of vision rehabilitation.

Self-Esteem and Adjusting with Blindness, Hadley School for the Blind
An online course about maintaining self-esteem when coping with the changes that come with blindnesss.

Talking About Your Feelings, VisionAWARE
Suggestions for talking about one’s experience and feelings when experiencing vision loss.; includes frequently asked questions and useful resources.

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Adjusting to Vision Loss: Organizations & Resources to Explore

Peer Support Groups and Other Resources, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Resources for those who are experiencing vision loss and their caregivers.

VisionAWARE Self Help for Vision Loss
Practical, hands-on information to enhance quality of life and independence for adults with vision loss, their families and friends, caregivers, and vision professionals.

For more information, see Rehabilitation and Adventitious Blindness

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Research: Adjusting to Vision Loss

The Greatest Generation Meets Its Greatest Challenge: Vision Loss and Depression in Older Adults, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
Advice for professionals working with older adults with vision loss; includes recognizing depression, addressing multiple health concerns, and working collaboratively with health and elder services providers. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Psychosocial Intervention for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Project, Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness
This study found that a problem-focused intervention was more effective in promoting adaptation than an intervention that focused on feelings and emotions.

Stress Constellations and Coping Styles of Older Adults with Age-Related Visual Impairment, Health and Social Work
A study to identify different coping styles in response to vision loss.

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