Psychological Impact of Vision Loss

By Carmen Willings
​teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 15, 2025
Losing vision, particularly after previously having normal vision, is a profound and life-changing experience. It often presents a series of emotional and psychological challenges that can impact every aspect of an individual's life. Adjustment to vision loss is a personal journey that often follows stages like the grief process. 
In Foundations of Rehabilitation Teaching with Persons Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired, Ponchillia summarizes Dr. Tuttle’s phases of adjustment to vision loss. These phases help us understand the emotional transitions individuals may experience. ​

​Phases of Adjustment to Vision Loss (Tuttle)

  1. Trauma
    The initial shock of vision loss or, for someone blind from birth, the realization of being different from peers or family.
  2. Shock and Denial
    The person may feel emotionally immobilized. Denial can involve disbelief that vision loss is occurring or refusal to accept its permanence.
  3. Mourning and Withdrawal
    Feelings of grief, sadness, or a sense of isolation as the person comes to terms with what has been lost.
  4. Succumbing and Depression
    A phase where the individual may feel overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless.
  5. Reassessment and Reaffirmation
    A period of reevaluating personal identity, abilities, and goals.
  6. Coping and Mobilization
    Beginning to seek support, develop new strategies, and regain a sense of control.
  7. Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem
    Embracing a new sense of self, incorporating vision loss into one’s identity with increased confidence and independence.

​Individual Differences in Adjustment

​If vision is lost gradually, the person may go through these phases repeatedly, each time their vision changes or they realize they can no longer perform a task as before. The adjustment process is highly individual; some may move quickly through the stages, while others may linger in certain phases longer.

​Factors Influencing Adjustment

Several key factors influence how a person adjusts to vision loss:
  • Nature and Degree of Vision Loss: The type of eye condition, the amount of residual (usable) vision, and whether the vision loss is stable or progressive.
  • Presence of Additional Disabilities: Coexisting impairments may compound the psychological and practical challenges.
  • Age at Onset: A child's experience will differ significantly from that of an adult or senior.
  • Personality and Coping Style: Individuals with strong coping skills, resilience, and a positive self-concept often adjust more readily.
  • Attitudes and Beliefs: Preconceived ideas about blindness, either internalized or learned from society, can influence the acceptance process.
  • Support Systems and Environment:
    • Family and Friends: Encouraging, informed, and supportive relationships are crucial.
    • Access to Resources: The availability of training, counseling, financial support, and community services significantly impacts outcomes.
    • Socioeconomic Status: Income can influence access to rehabilitation services, technology, and transportation.
Everyone’s journey with vision loss is unique. Understanding the psychological process and the many factors that influence adjustment can help educators, families, and professionals provide empathetic, informed, and effective support.
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