A clear vision for peace of mind

Monday, September 28, 2026

A man at a laptop

You might not realize it, but your vision can have an impact on your overall mental wellbeing. Over 7 million Americans suffer from vision loss and 1 in 4 adults who have vision loss also report anxiety or depression.¹

How are vision loss and mental health connected?

  • Vision loss can make it harder for you to do the things you enjoy.
  • Vision loss has been linked to loneliness, social isolation – and feelings of worry, anxiety and fear.
  • For patients experiencing glaucoma, macular degeneration and other conditions with mild to acute vision loss, everyday activities like driving, using the computer or cooking can become difficult.

Seeing the signs

The signs of mental illness aren't always obvious. Subtle changes in mood or behavior are often attributed to aging, just like weaker muscles and fuzzy thinking.

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may have an anxiety disorder²: 

  • Feeling panic, fear, dread, and uneasiness.
  • Feeling on edge or irritable.
  • Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
  • Difficulty concentrating.

Eyes are the window to better health

Healthy vision can make a big difference when it comes to mental health.

Peace of mind: Comprehensive eye exams can identify most vision problems, even in their early stages. An eye care professional can also help detect serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.³

More confidence: The right pair of glasses will help you see clearly, while giving you more confidence in your ability to complete everyday activities, such as driving to work or cooking a meal.

It’s important to talk to a doctor if you are dealing with symptoms of vision loss, anxiety, and/or depression. Together, primary care and eye doctors can help make a significant impact on your health.

Want to know more about your vision benefits? Read more about TeamCare’s vision program or log in to the My Plan section of your Dashboard to learn about the benefits included in your specific plan.

  1. “About Vision Loss and Mental Health”; CDC; cdc.gov; May 2024.
  2. “Anxiety Disorders”; The Cleveland Clinic; my.clevelandclinic.org; July 2024.
  3. “20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch"; American Academy of Ophthalmology; aao.org; April 2024.