Visual and Psychological Challenges Associated with Geriatric Ocular Disorders among Patients Visiting the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State Nigeria
Keywords:
Depression, disorder, geriatric, ocular, psychological, visualAbstract
This study ascertained the visual and psychological challenges experienced by geriatric patients affected by age-related ocular and visual disorders. It involved a detailed eye examination and interview of 243 subjects to find out the predominant ocular/ visual disorders and physical challenges experienced. The most predominant ocular disorder observed were cataract, affecting 76.5% (n=186), glaucoma, 54.3% (n=132), age-related macular degeneration, 38.7% (n=94) and diabetic retinopathy 24.7% (n= 75). Similarly, the most predominant visual challenges reported, was difficulty reading prints with a mean score of 4.21±0.87, followed by inability recognizing faces (3.95±0.96), driving (3.82±1.12), watching TV (3.76±1.03), and performing daily activities surfaced as particularly problematic. The quality of life assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire revealed moderate scores across visual (+13.42), psychological (12.36), social relationship (6.78), and environmental domains (14.21). Intriguingly, high levels of psychological distress were revealed, particularly in the realms of anxiety with mean score of 14.92±2.34 and depression with mean score of 7.86±2.18, unveiling the intricate connection between ocular disorders and mental well-being. Conclusively, this study underscores the necessity for a comprehensive healthcare approach that addresses not only the physical implications of ocular disorders but also their profound psychological impact emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention strategies, fostering supportive networks, and implementing targeted rehabilitation programs to enhance the overall well-being of the elderly. The study findings augments existing knowledge concerning geriatric patients challenges resulting from ocular disorders and advocated for policy formulation and an integrated healthcare approach to holistically cater to the multifaceted needs of the elderly.
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