Coping with Visual Impairment: Helping our Patients Face the Truth

Abstract

This chapter explores the factors influencing patients' ability to cope with imminent visual impairment (blindness) as well as methods that can be used to aid patients to rid stereotypes associated with their visual impairment. The factors that influence a patient's ability to cope with blindness can stem from both biological and social backgrounds; biological as it relates to age and social, meaning individuals that are in contact with the patient on a daily basis. Older patients tend to have more difficulty coping with blindness because they have established norms while children tend to feed of their parents' view of their visual impairment. Some patients practice a more spiritual approach to coping with their visual impairment. Although studies have been inconclusive; patients who pray and practice faith tend to have a more positive attitude towards their situation. Participating in sports can also help the visually impaired to have a more positive attitude towards themselves.

Psychological Factors Associated With Visual Impairment

“…Their coping domains included hobbies such as sports, music, dance, and other recreational activities, which are useful in improving physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as self-worth and acceptance. The Paralympic running, jumping, and throwing events of the International Blind Sports Federation has been found to improve not only physical health but also inclusion and equality for people who might otherwise be disadvantaged due to impairments (Mclntosh, 2018).…”