Sustainability In Eye Care: Assessing Mental Health Burden In Patients With Chronic Eye Diseases Using Phq-9 And Gad-7

Mental health issues in patients with chronic eye diseases remain an understudied area, particularly in the Middle East. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic eye conditions, highlighting the importance of sustainable mental health interventions in eye care.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary eye hospital

The study included 131 patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with uveitis, congenital glaucoma, adult glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) tools

Among participants, 37 (28.2%) had moderate-to-severe depression, 29 (22.1%) had moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 21 (16.0%) had both. One in three (34.4%) experienced either moderate-to-severe anxiety or depression. Poisson regression found no significant difference in prevalence across chronic eye diseases. However, patients with two or more previous eye surgeries were more likely to have moderate-to-severe anxiety (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.03–5.74; P=0.044). Anxiety was the only independent predictor of depression, with moderate-to-severe anxiety making patients nearly six times more likely to have moderate-to-severe depression (adjusted prevalence ratio, 5.59; 95% CI, 2.45–12.73; P<0.001).

Anxiety and depression are significant concerns among patients with chronic eye diseases, with specific subgroups at higher risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted early detection and management strategies, which can be implemented in primary and secondary care settings in our country and across other Middle Eastern countries. By addressing mental health alongside physical health, we can build more resilient and equitable healthcare systems that align with global sustainability goals.