Psychological experiences of adult patients with blindness secondary to glaucoma at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Blindness secondary to glaucoma is irreversible, and thus people experience lifelong blindness once they develop blindness from glaucoma. Currently, there is lack of literature regarding psychological experiences of patients  living with blindness secondary to glaucoma in Africa.
Objective: To explore psychological experiences of adult patients with blindness secondary to glaucoma.
Method: A hospital based qualitative study at a tertiary government eye hospital was done among adult patients who presented with blindness secondary to glaucoma. Selection of participants was done by purposive sampling and individual in-depth interviews were used to collect data among study participants until data saturation. Data was analyzed using content analysis.
Results: Eight adult patients (7 men and 1 woman) with blindness secondary to glaucoma were interviewed. Patients with glaucoma experienced psychological distress and depression due to unemployment, lack of basic needs and worries related to unaccomplished family obligations. The patients felt restricted in performing activities of daily living which consequently overburden their caregivers.
Conclusion: This study has shown that adult patients who are blind from glaucoma experience challenging mental health problems. There is a need for integration of psychosocial care into the management of patients with blindness secondary to glaucoma