Vision-Specific and Psychosocial Impacts of Low Vision on Quality of Life in Northern Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Low vision, defined by the World Health Organization as best-corrected visual acuity below 6/18 but better than light perception or a visual field under 10?, affects over 2.2 billion people globally, with approximately 62 million individuals in India experiencing visual impairment. While functional limitations are well-documented, the psychosocial consequences in underserved areas like Northern Uttar Pradesh remain understudied, exacerbated by limited healthcare access, poverty, and rural residency. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the vision-specific and psychosocial impacts of low vision on quality of life (QOL) and mental health among individuals in Northern Uttar Pradesh, India, while identifying key sociodemographic predictors influencing these outcomes. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Sitapur Eye Hospital, from January 2023 to March 2024.Ninety participants (45 low vision cases and 45 age- and gender-matched controls) were assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire25 (NEIVFQ-25) for QOL and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7) scale for anxiety. Results: Participants with low vision exhibited significantly lower NEIVFQ-25 scores and higher GAD-7 scores compared to controls (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed rural residency, low income, and elevated anxiety levels as significant predictors of reduced QOL, accounting for 68% of the variance. Conclusion: Low vision substantially impairs both functional ability and mental health. Region-specific, integrated care models combining visual rehabilitation, mental health services, and stigma reduction are essential for improving patient outcomes in rural India.