Seven Strategies to Help You Better Manage the Emotional Aspects of Vision Loss Due to Retinal Detachments

Most of us take good retinal health for granted. It’s only when we start to notice visual changes do we begin to pay close attention to our sight. Naturally, our vision changes as we age. But there are situations when it is far more serious. For example, let’s assume you’ve recently noticed the following symptoms:

• An increase in floaters: these are dark specks or cobweb-like images that float in your field of vision;
• Flashes of lights;
• Blurred or distorted vision; or
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision, which may take the form of a dark curtain.

At this point, you should see an ophthalmologist. Don’t wait or minimize your symptoms. It is possible that you are experiencing the signs or symptoms of a retinal detachment.

In this article, I will explain what a retinal detachment is and how it occurs. Next, I will discuss the average success rate for the repair of a retinal detachment. Plus, I will explore the importance of the eye surgeon and patient relationship. Finally, I will offer seven recommendations for managing one’s emotional health after vision loss from retinal detachments.

Retinal Detachment

After a comprehensive exam, let’s assume your ophthalmologist diagnosed you with a retinal detachment.  It sounds frightening and painful. But it doesn’t hurt, yet it is a medical emergency. In this case, your ophthalmologist is going to recommend eye surgery. As you can imagine, the thought of such an invasive procedure makes many people feel anxious and vulnerable.

But what is a retinal detachment, and how does it happen? First, the retina is the light-sensitive surface that operates like film in a camera. A healthy retina is vital for good vision. Second, a retinal detachment “occurs when the nerve tissue that lines the inside of the eye separates from the back wall of the eye, like wallpaper peeling off a wall” (Stanford Medicine, 2019, para. 1). This allows fluid to leak under the retina. Unless you experienced trauma to the eye, a retinal detachment can sometimes be spontaneous. It is crucial to have it re-attached promptly. Otherwise, it can lead to permanent vision loss.

According to Yorston (2018), some risk factors might include the following:

• Age (most common in patients aged 50–70);
• Gender (more common in men);
• Cataract surgery, particularly if it was complicated by vitreous loss; or
• Myopia also known as nearsightedness (para. 3).

Furthermore, individuals who are more susceptible to this condition may have a family history of retinal detachments. Finally, if you are diabetic, share this information with your eye surgeon because it is also a risk factor.

Visual Results vs. Anatomical Success

The average success rate for repair of retinal detachments is around 80%-90% (Boyd, 2016). However, a second surgical procedure may be necessary in some cases. Plus, complications, such as an additional retinal detachment or visual distortion, can occur.

So, what if you are in the 10%-20% group that did not have a successful outcome? And what can be done for patients whose visual results do not match their anatomical success? Since each patient’s case is unique, a forthright conversation with your eye surgeon is important to determine what treatment plan is best for you.

The Eye Surgeon-Patient Relationship

For many patients, the missing gap in the eye surgeon-patient relationship is the lack of emotional support when dealing with a less-than-desirable surgical outcome. Although most ophthalmologists and their staff are caring professionals, they are not necessarily equipped to deal with the psychological aspects of vision loss from a poor outcome.

One suggestion for ophthalmologists or their support staff is to provide mental health resources to patients who are having a difficult time coping. Similarly, they could share education resources to help their patients with vision loss live more independent and productive lives. These steps may bridge a much needed gap in patient care. Arguably, it’s a more holistic approach and would improve the patient experience.

As you work closely with your ophthalmologist, don’t be timid about asking specific questions during your follow-up appointments. On the other hand, you may ultimately choose to pursue a second opinion if you are feeling uncomfortable with your progress or the doctor-patient relationship. In all fairness, it can take an eye many months to heal, but trust your intuition.

Recommendations for Managing Your Emotional Health and Moving Forward

If you fall into this 10%-20% category, you will probably experience many different emotions. Furthermore, if you’ve undergone multiple eye surgeries due to complications from your retinal detachment procedure, you may begin to feel sad and anxious at this point. But keep in mind that these are normal reactions to such a major life stressor.

Undoubtedly, vision loss can be an emotional journey. As you move though the grieving process, here are seven positive strategies to help you adjust to your new normal:

1. Become your own best self-advocate if you become visually disabled. In other words, assert yourself by expressing your needs in a tactful yet direct manner. Even if you do not become visually impaired, this is still a good skill to develop in order to better navigate the hearth care maze.
2. Seek support from a counselor who can help you manage your anxiety and depression.
3. Surround yourself with a positive, healthy social network of friends and family. Research has found that long-term happiness and health are closely linked to having strong social connections (Cohen, Doyle, Turner, Alper, & Skoner, 2003).
4. Determine what activities you can do right now to increase positive emotions.
5. Learn how to practice gratitude because this will be helpful in your recovery and overall well-being.
6. Discover how assistive technology can improve your life.
7. Educate yourself about local and national resources, vision rehabilitation services, and programs that empower people with vision disabilities.

Closing Remarks

To maintain good eye health, visit your ophthalmologist every one or two years as a general rule. Some individuals may need to go more often depending on their age or known risk factors. If you have a complicated retinal history, your ophthalmologist may wish to see you every six months.

Equally important, don’t overlook your mental health while you are adjusting to vision loss. It can be challenging, but there is hope. And, in time, you will regain your confidence and will thrive once again.

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About the Author

Dean Colston, Ph.D., M.A., is a health/medical writer and senior technical editor. He is the founder and owner of The Colston Advantage where he offers technical and scientific communication services. Dean is passionate about creating patient education materials and consumer health content. His core medical writing areas of interest include psychiatry, ophthalmology, and immunology/infectious diseases.

Earlier in his career, he served as a mental health counselor, continuous quality improvement specialist, university professor, department chair, and dean of faculty. Currently, Dean is serving as a member on the Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment’s (GCBVI) Public Information Committee and on the Central Arizona Council of the Blind. He is an associate of the Cheeky Scientist Association’s medical writing organization. He is also a professional member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA).

References

Boyd, K. (2016, March 1). Retinal detachment: Torn or detached retina treatment. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/detached-torn-retina-treatment

Cohen, S., Doyle, W. J., Turner, R. B., Alper, C. M., & Skoner, D. P. (2003). Emotional style and susceptibility to the common cold. Psychosomatic Medicine, 65, 652-657.

Stanford Medicine. (2019). Retinal detachment. Retrieved from http://med.stanford.edu/ophthalmology/patient_care/specialty_clinics/clinics_Retinal%20_and%20_Macular_Diseases_and_Surgery/Retinal%20Detachment.html

Yorston, D. (2018). Emergency management: Retinal detachment. Community eye health, 31(103), 63.