Latest news with #eye hospital
Medscape
10 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Experts Warn of Hidden Psychological Burden in Glaucoma
TOPLINE: Patients with glaucoma have a notable burden of depression and anxiety that often goes undetected, highlighting a critical gap in healthcare, the researchers found. These psychological comorbidities were linked to worse general health and poorer quality of life due to visual impairment and occurred more commonly among women, younger patients, and those with lower incomes. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among individuals diagnosed with glaucoma and to identify risk factors associated with these psychological comorbidities. They analyzed data of 249 adult patients with glaucoma (mean age, 60.49 years; 54.6% women) who were interviewed at an eye hospital in Germany using a three‐part standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for details on demographics, medical history, and ocular health including clinical data on glaucoma and assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as the effect of overall health and visual impairment on quality of life. TAKEAWAY: Although only 11.2% of patients with glaucoma had a prior diagnosis of depression and 1.2% had a prior diagnosis of anxiety, screening revealed significantly higher rates of symptoms of both anxiety (42.2%) and depression (34.9%; P < .001) in this cohort. Scores used for assessing depression showed a strong correlation with those used for assessing anxiety; a higher severity of depressive symptoms was associated with poorer mental and physical health, lower quality of life due to visual impairment, female sex, living alone, younger age, and lower incomes (P < .05 for all). A higher severity of anxiety symptoms was also linked to poorer mental and physical health, lower quality of life due to visual impairment, female sex, and lower incomes (P < .05 for all). IN PRACTICE: 'Incorporating routine psychometric screening into standard clinical practice is essential to facilitate early detection and treatment of psychological disorders,' the researchers reported. 'Effective collaboration among ophthalmologists, general practitioners, and psychologists is crucial to providing holistic, patient-centered care. Tailoring interventions to factors such as age, gender, vision impairment, and socioeconomic status can bridge existing social disparities and foster a more integrated and personalized care model,' they added. SOURCE: This study was led by Alexander Christopher Rokohl, MD, of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. It was published online on July 17, 2025, in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. LIMITATIONS: This study took place in a tertiary setting that usually treated patients with more severe glaucoma. The cohort showed demographic bias toward older European participants. Individuals without sufficient proficiency in German were excluded from the analysis, although they may have had less access to medical help because of language or culture issues. DISCLOSURES: No funding was received for this research. No relevant conflicts of interest were disclosed. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
WATCH: Timelapse video of progress on North East's new eye hospital
Staff have had their first glimpse inside the North East's new specialist eye hospital as the countdown now begins to the opening next year. The new Sunderland Eye Infirmary is set to open in summer 2026 and will serve patients from across the North East and North Cumbria. A time-lapse video of the build has been released to mark the one-year milestone, showing progress since construction began 18 months ago. Construction began in December 2023 and the internal fit-out is now well underway. Dr Ajay Kotagiri, clinical director of ophthalmology services at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It was brilliant to visit the new hospital site and amazing to see the actual space we will be working in from next summer. "The clinical areas are so spacious and well designed and we can't wait to be able to see and treat patients in this fantastic new facility." The new hospital will house all current clinical services from the Queen Alexandra Road site, including the Cataract Treatment Centre, which plays a key role in reducing waiting lists across the region. Ophthalmology remains one of the busiest services in the NHS, with many people experiencing sight problems during their lives. Alongside the construction, the Trust's STS Charity has launched the Vision Appeal, aiming to raise £1 million to fund advanced technology and equipment beyond what is included in the hospital build. Dr Kotagiri said: "Our Vision Appeal is a great way for patients and local people to get involved with the new Eye Hospital and be part of something fantastic. "We want to stay at the forefront of eye research and innovation in Sunderland and the STS Charity's support will help us do that. "It will help us to fund equipment and technology, over and above what we already have." The new hospital forms part of the Riverside Sunderland development and is being built by Kier in partnership with Sunderland City Council. READ MORE: Rare breed of horse cherished by the late Queen joins Bishop Auckland theatre show Town to step out in style for ball in memory of 'much-loved' Grace and Wendy Plans to transform Grade II-listed church into housing, offices, and gym approved Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for business, housing and regeneration, said: "It's fantastic to see work progressing apace on the new Eye Hospital at Riverside Sunderland. "Once complete, this world-class facility will be one of the few standalone specialist eye hospitals anywhere in the UK and the region's only dedicated specialist centre for ophthalmology care." The hospital will also include wellbeing rooms, a café overlooking the River Wear, and a children's area with dedicated waiting and treatment rooms.
