Abstract
The intention is to summarize the body of evidence speaking to the psychological challenges faced by visually impaired older adults, as well as their coping efforts. This evidence is substantiated by a rich set of concepts, theories, and empirical findings that have accumulated under the umbrella of age-related psychoophthalmology (APO). I introduce the field of APO and continue with a discussion of important concepts and theories for a better understanding of adaptational processes in visually impaired older adults. I then summarize the most relevant and most recent data from four areas: (1) everyday competence, (2) cognitive functioning, (3) social functioning, and (4) subjective well-being-related outcomes, depression, and adaptational processes. Thereafter, major insights related to the current state-of-the art psychosocial interventions with visuallyimpaired older adults are reviewed. I close with the need that the public health community should become more aware of and address the psychosocial needs of visually impaired older adults.
Highlights
Loss of sight is strongly associated with chronological age and frequently used as an important marker of the awareness of getting “old” [1]
The intention is to summarize the body of evidence speaking to the psychological challenges faced by visually impaired older adults, as well as their coping efforts. This evidence is substantiated by a rich set of concepts, theories, and empirical findings that have accumulated under the umbrella of age-related psychoophthalmology (APO)
The majority of older adults who are faced with Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are psychologically challenged to adapt to ongoing and progressive visual loss, which typically occurs as deterioration of the central visual field, affecting reading ability, overall daily functioning, and mental health [6, 7]
Summary
Loss of sight is strongly associated with chronological age and frequently used as an important marker of the awareness of getting “old” [1]. It is my goal to highlight and synthesize key research speaking to the psychological consequences of age-related vision impairment and how such consequences may become a significant component of efficient treatment and rehabilitation. This includes the substantial consideration of our own research in the past 15 years. Evidence on the psychological situation of older adults with vision impairment is an important addition to ophthalmological research and treatment, and I suggest the term age-related psychoophthalmology (APO) to address this needed field
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