Glasses May Clear up the "Blues"

Depression is a serious illness afflicting millions of Americans. In fact, 1 out of every 5 senior citizen suffers from some form of depression. Something as simple as corrective lens may help alleviate some of the symptoms of depression.

According to a report in the November issue of Archives of Ophthalmology there were significant psychological benefits to senior citizens who lived in nursing homes when they were provided glasses to correct their vision impairment.

The trial split 142 nursing home residents age 55 and over into two groups. A common characteristic among the groups was a vision impairment that could be corrected with eyeglasses.

One group received eyeglasses following an exam and the other group were to receive the eyeglasses after the two month check up. Among other things depressive symptoms were measured at baseline and at two months.

At the end of the two month follow-up the group who had their vision corrected with the glasses reported fewer depressive symptoms as well as better quality of life improvements. Add an eye exam to your annual exam this year!