Low vision: how to assess and treat its emotional impact.

For many older adults facing visual loss, the frustration and distress that makes life's activities difficult or impossible may lead to clinically significant emotional problems. Patients may feel a loss of independence and control, poor self-esteem, and strained social relationships. Clinically, the most common emotional problems related to vision loss are adjustment disorder and major depressive episode. For patients with adjustment disorder, counseling or psychotherapy is recommended for both the patient and family members. Patients with major depression must be evaluated and referred for more in-depth psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Resolution of these disorders is important before a patient can pursue adequate rehabilitation.