Clinical Ophthalmology (Jun 2020)
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Indicators for Prosthetic Eye Wearers
Abstract
Nicola S Pine,1,* Keith R Pine2,* 1School of Psychology, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand; 2School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Keith R PineSchool of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Auckland P. O. Box 31 306 Milford, Auckland 0741 Tel +64 21 999 814Fax +64 9 4893365Email [email protected]: This study explores the role of appearance, mucoid discharge, visual perception and functional problems as indicators for depression, anxiety and stress amongst prosthetic eye wearers.Methods: A total of 217 anophthalmic patients who had worn a prosthetic eye for at least two years and were older than 16 years completed an anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to investigate differences and correlations between variables.Results: The mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress fell within the accepted normal ranges; however, 11% of participants experienced moderate depression, while 7% experienced severe or extremely severe levels. Ten percent were moderately anxious, and 7% were severely or extremely severely anxious. Five percent of participants were moderately stressed, while 7% were severely or extremely severely stressed.Conclusion: Social settings are important predictors for depression, whereas anxiety and stress appear to derive more from appearance concerns and practical issues. Prosthetic eye wearers with employment, leisure and social functioning issues are at higher risk of depression, anxiety and stress, as well as appearance, anxiety and not feeling accepted by society. Older patients and those who feel accepted by society appear to suffer less anxiety and stress. It is recommended that psychologists be a part of an integrated team to address the needs of anophthalmic patients.Keywords: psychology, ocular prosthesis, psychological impact, mental health
