Counselling patients with sudden, irreversible sight loss

S udden loss of sight is a life-changing event that changes the patient's view of the world and how they perceive themselves and others. In this article we will consider the emotional and psychological impact of those affected by sudden and irreversible sight loss. It is recognised that people affected by sight loss will understandably experience very strong and at times over whelming feelings of grief and loss. In cases of sudden loss the reaction is often severe. Patients often experience panic and confusion, making it difficult to assimilate information and to make rational decisions. For the majority of patients with diagnosed sight-threatening conditions, the reality is feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and fear. These are often Case study 'Linda' a patient, affected by sudden irreversible sight loss Linda is fifty years old, she is single and previously worked as a designer. She has had glaucoma for many years. Nine months ago her vision started to deteriorate. Following a period of further investigation and treatment Linda was assessed as having near complete sight loss. Linda spent her first counselling sessions talking about her losses and frustrations since her sudden sight loss. Linda says that she is going out less often and admits to feeling lonely and isolated; she is feeling scared and fearful about the future. Her mood is low and at times she feels very depressed. Linda says that her loss of sight doesn't feel real and she keeps hoping that it will improve. Linda is angry about the impact her condition is having on her independence. Linda says she is particularly worried about becoming a burden to others. It is common for patients with sudden sight loss to feel blame in relation to anger. Sometimes patients feel that more should have been done. In Linda's case at first she initially blamed herself, for not noticing her symptoms earlier. Rehabilitation, stigma and shame Linda was reluctant to use any aids to help with her sight loss including a white stick or cane. She was reluctant to work with the staff to begin her rehabilitation. She spoke of feelings of stigma and shame. After some months Linda agreed to register as severely sight impaired. Registering with a certificate of vision impairment enables people in the UK to receive certain benefits from social services and tax concessions. But the acknowledgement of being registered as blind (severely sight impaired), often has a huge …