The psychosocial and health consequences of ocular conditions that lead to visual impairment (VI) are broad and include impaired activities of daily living, social isolation, cognitive impairment, impaired functional status and functional decline, increased dependency on others, increased risk of motor vehicle crashes, falls and fractures, poor self-rated health, and depression. Increased mortality risks also have been noted in adults with VI and disabling eye disease... Up to two-thirds of people who commit suicide have some type of physician contact in their last month, and physician education is effective in reducing suicide rates. Our results suggest older adults and those with nonocular health conditions, poor self-rated health, and reported VI are at increased suicide risk. Eye care professionals should be aware of the potential increased risk of suicide for patients with VI, especially those in poor health, and provide appropriate referrals for these patients... In summary, we observed that reported VI increased suicide risk, particularly indirectly via reported health status and health conditions.
Earlier this year in response to media reports of depression and suicide following LASIK, LASIK industry insiders denied any connection.
Dr. Richard Lindstrom, "The premise of your Feb. 3 article 'Some link depression, failed LASIK' was based upon incomplete, unpublished and anecdotal research and did a disservice to the millions of Americans who elect to undergo vision correction surgery each year. It is irresponsible to draw a conclusion between LASIK and suicide. There is simply no scientific basis to support a direct connection between a sub-optimal outcome from eye surgery and suicide." Source
Dr. Steven C. Schallhorn, "There's no cause and effect." Source
These statements by LASIK industry leaders are perplexing, given the contradictory evidence published in the body of scientific literature. It is widely reported that visual impairment has an adverse effect on quality of life, which may lead to depression and thoughts of suicide.
At the April 25, 2008 FDA hearing on post-LASIK issues, several speakers gave compelling testimony of the link between bad outcomes from LASIK and depression and suicide. LASIK industry representatives in attendance appeared unmoved.
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1. Byron L. Lam; Sharon L. Christ; David J. Lee; D. Diane Zheng; Kristopher L. Arheart. Reported Visual Impairment and Risk of Suicide: The 1986-1996 National Health Interview Surveys. Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(7):975-980.
