According to a recent study, living with an artificial eye profoundly impacts patients and families, causing severe psychological distress and social withdrawal.
The study, published in International Ophthalmology, investigated the experiences of patients using artificial eyes (AEUs) and their families, highlighting the psychological, emotional, and social impacts. Conducted by researchers on behalf of the PERSONAL-EYE-S Study Group, the study utilized semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data.
Study participants included 12 AEUs (eight males) and five spouses (one male), with participants having worn artificial eyes for 2-65 years.
Four major themes emerged from the interviews:
- Impact on Day-to-Day Life: AEUs and their families frequently faced challenges adapting to partial sight loss, reduced confidence, and social withdrawal.
- Psychological and Emotional Wellbeing: Both AEUs and their families experienced severe and prolonged psychological distress, which underscored unmet support needs.
- Challenges with Treatment Experiences: Fragmented care and long wait times for a well-matching initial or replacement artificial eye negatively impacted AEUs' treatment experiences.
- Concerns About the Future: Participants expressed worries about the fragility of their remaining eyesight and the potential need for future treatments.
“This study holds strengths in its qualitative exploration of personal experiences of AEUs and their spouses,” stated the researchers. They concluded that comprehensive care should address not only the physical but also the emotional and social aspects of living with an artificial eye.
The authors declared no competing interests.