National Eye Institute

Vision loss is a major public health concern in the United States. People who have vision loss commonly experience depression, anxiety, and confusion. The consequences of vision loss however, often extend beyond the person who has low vision. The family members, friends, and caregivers of people experiencing vision loss also are affected.

When a loved one becomes visually impaired, you are likely to feel overwhelmed. You also may experience a range of feelings, from sadness to guilt, and there are many day-to-day adjustments to make. You may find yourself putting aside your feelings and needs to focus on helping your loved one cope. Yet, in many cases, you may feel alone and at a loss about what to do or how to help. It is important to communicate your feelings with others. By sharing your feelings, you are in a better position to be more accepting of yourself and understand that what you and your loved one are experiencing is not isolated and unique.

Answering the following questions may help your express you thoughts and concerns:

When sharing your thoughts and concerns with your loved one, it is important to remember that communication involves both verbal and nonverbal expressions. When we think about communication, what usually comes to mind is the verbal aspect of communication. But communication also involves receiving information through listening. And most communication is nonverbal, which poses challenges when talking to people who are visually impaired, as they may not be able to see gestures, nods, facial expressions, and other visual cues.

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