A guide to the emotional impact of sight loss

Receiving a diagnosis of sight loss can be extremely upsetting and shocking. It can be difficult to make sense of what is being communicated factually and practically.

In addition, the experience of being a patient can also make you feel very powerless, especially if you are being communicated lots of new information that may be difficult to understand and process.

Losing your sight can evoke a sense of grief and loss for your previous way of life. Experiencing loss relating to your independence, your identity and sense of purpose can be emotionally challenging, yet it is important to process this grief as it is natural, and coming to terms with it may take time.

Sight loss can cause anxiety and fear about navigating the world and performing daily activities. You may become concerned about your personal safety, independence, and inclusion in social interactions.

Talking about these anxieties and fears is important, and will help you process and understand them.

In addition, rehabilitation support will give you the skills to carry out everyday tasks including cooking, laundry and navigating your environment. This will help you gain confidence and independence, and in time relieve the anxiety and fear.

Sight loss can lead to feelings of isolation, helplessness, and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. You may also experience a sense of withdrawal and struggle with low mood or depression.

These feelings are completely normal, but if they linger, you may want to seek support from a counsellor or other trained professional.

Sight loss can affect your self-image and self-esteem. Asking for additional support if you need it, adapting to different ways of performing everyday tasks, and dealing with the perceptions and attitudes of others can be challenging.

You may lose confidence at first, but eventually with support from rehabilitation services and having a space to talk about these worries, in time your confidence should grow again.

Sight loss can have a significant impact on social interactions and relationships.

You may feel isolated, not understood and you may struggle not being able to follow visual cues.

This can result in feelings of loneliness and exclusion.

It is important to have a space to talk about these feelings and learn strategies to break down those barriers, and in time you will feel less isolated and lonely.

Losing your sight can affect your independence and ability to perform daily tasks without assistance. This loss of independence can be emotionally distressing and lead to frustration and a sense of dependence on others.

These are common feelings, but with support from a specialist rehabilitation officer, you can learn skills and strategies to regain your independence and do the things you did before sight loss, but with some adaptations such as using specialist equipment, and using your other senses when appropriate.

Adjusting your sense of identity is a major change and will take time to come to terms with.

You may struggle with your sense of identity, with the change from being an independent person to someone who has become dependent on others.

This is a very common feeling, and many people find it difficult at first. However, there is support available, both practically and emotionally, to help you to adjust to a new way of life and to rebuild your confidence and independence, and support you to renew your identity.

Labelling your feelings is a big step to processing them, as it will help you to recognise them, as well as validate and acknowledge them.

If you are struggling to figure out exactly how you are feeling, you could refer to the list of emotions in this blog, and consider if any of those resonate with you.

This could be a little tricky at first, because you may feel uncomfortable bringing these emotions to the surface.

Reflecting on these emotions encourages you to examine why you avoid them, and the impact that avoidance has on your emotional awareness.

Describe the emotions associated with what you have listed, and reflect on how you can incorporate more of these into your life.

This could be your favourite music bringing back happy memories, a particular person, or particular people, in your life who make you feel valued, or a hobby that you enjoy.

Focusing on positive emotions and sources of joy is crucial for emotional awareness. It encourages you to explore aspects of your life that bring you happiness, and consider how to incorporate them into your life more intentionally.

This helps to reintroduce the positive aspects of living to your mind, no matter if they are small or large.

In essence, it’s the feeling of accomplishment and pride that will add impact to your life.

Some examples: you helped a loved one who needed support, you made a meal that you and your loved ones enjoyed, or that you learned a new skill.