Psychological aspects of living with an artificial eye

Donal McCullagh, Nicholas Puls, Michelle Beaconsfield, Martin Dempster, Jonathan Jackson, Michael Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose
Artificial eye clinics address physical and aesthetic aspects of orbital prostheses, but psychological effects may not be formally addressed. In general, without effective coping mechanisms, stress can lead to anxiety and depression. This study aims to determine, in the context of having an artificial eye, whether coping strategies, as well as perception of illness and other demographic and clinical variables are associated with anxiety or depression.

Methods
Consecutive patients attending two artificial eye clinics were invited to participate in this audit. Participants completed questionnaires: HADS, Brief IPQ and Brief COPE. Variables with a correlation coefficient of ≥0.2 with anxiety or depression were included in regression modeling. The extent to which the participants’ emotional and cognitive representations of their artificial eye related to feelings of anxiety and depression was determined.

Results
In the cohort of 208, clinically significant anxiety was present in 29.5% and clinically significant depression was present in 8.4%. Perceptions of the impact of the artificial eye and self-blame as a coping strategy were correlated with anxiety. Depression levels were higher when participants believed that their artificial eye had a greater impact on their life, when they lived alone, and when they used substances as a coping strategy.

Conclusion
Significant levels of anxiety exist in those living with artificial eyes, with various coping strategies used. Addressing this and offering alternative coping strategies may improve patient well being and overall satisfaction.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)745-750
JournalOrbit
Volume41
Issue number6
Early online date28 Feb 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 02 Nov 2022

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