The impact of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on mental well-being and physical health in adults: An exploratory study

This exploratory study examines the impact of cerebral visual impairment (CVI) on mental well-being and physical health in adults. Using an online survey, data was gathered from 27 participants across seven countries. The study reveals high prevalence rates of anxiety (83.3%), emotional regulation difficulties (66.7%), and unique CVI meltdowns (72.7%), significantly impacting daily life. Physical health issues, including fatigue (95%) and headaches (76%), are exacerbated by complex environments. Participants also reported a higher incidence of additional conditions like autoimmune disorders. Descriptive statistics, chi-square goodness-of-fit tests, and binomial tests were used to analyse the data, identifying significant patterns in the distribution of environmental triggers and their relationships with reported mental well-being and physical health issues. The findings underscore the necessity of holistic support frameworks that address visual, mental well-being, and physical health, emphasising the integration of lived experiences in their development. This research fills a critical gap in understanding CVI’s broader effects, calling for further studies and targeted interventions.