Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety and Depression in Glaucoma and Cataract Patients: A Cross-sectional Comparison

Abstract

Background- According to WHO, leading cause of blindness includes cataract and glaucoma. These patients often face significant mental issues.  People have many concerns when they first hear that they have cataract or glaucoma such as whether they will go blind, how expensive treatment will be and regarding their self sufficiency. All these factors can lead to anxiety and depression. Comparing the psychological impact of these conditions can help identify specific factors that contributed in each group and then developing tailored mental health interventions.

Materials & Methods- Prior approval of ethical committee was taken before conducting the study. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of Cataract and primary open angle Glaucoma were recruited for study. Sample was targeted to include 100 patients as 50 each of primary open angle glaucoma and cataract attending ophthalmology outpatient department. Data was collected on  the especially designed proforma and assessed through Hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS),

Results and Discussion. Nearly double no. of glaucoma experienced anxiety and depression as compared to cataract.  Anxiety in glaucoma was found be associated with occupation and monthly income and anxiety in cataract was found to be associated with marital status. Depression in glaucoma was found to be associated with occupation and marital status whereas depression in cataract was found to be associated with marital status.

Conclusion- In conclusion, Anxiety and depression exist as co-morbidity with glaucoma and cataract. Both anxiety and depression were higher in glaucoma patients as compared to cataract. The lack of association with ocular clinical factors such as visual acuity, pain and beta blockers suggests that targeted high risk subgroup screening of persons with glaucoma is not feasible and it may be necessary to screen all persons with glaucoma for anxiety. So this study emphasize the importance of combined management with a psychiatrist especially in glaucoma. Regular psychiatric counselling can help these patients manage their emotions, and so can improve their medication adherence.