New research from York University finds that the age at which a person loses an eye can dramatically shape their emotional well-being and self-image.
Published in the open access journal PLOS One, the study undertaken by Faculty of Health researchers shows that adults who undergo eye removal at a later age report greater challenges in their quality of life compared to those who had the surgery during early childhood.
The research, which focuses on unilateral eye enucleation - the surgical removal of one eye - investigates how age at the time of enucleation impacted various psychosocial factors, including self-perception of facial appearance, anxiety and depression.
Professor Jennifer Steeves, who supervised the research, says the findings highlight the broader implications for individuals living with one eye.
The timing of eye removal, she says, coincides with critical periods in visual development and adaptive sensory processes. "The study shows that those who had one eye removed during the formative years of childhood have better psychosocial outcomes due to the physiological and functional adaptations made during early development," she says.
Led by Aysha Kinakool, graduate student and first author of the study, with support from Steeves and Professor Stefania Moro, the research included 22 participants divided into two groups: those who had their eye removed early (ages 12 to 60 months) and those who had it removed late (ages 84 to 744 months).
A control group of 27 individuals with normal binocular vision was also involved. Each participant completed standardized questionnaires assessing their low-vision quality of life and mental health.
Individuals who had their eye removed late in life reported significantly lower low-vision quality of life scores when compared to the binocular control group. Additionally, within this late enucleation group, lower self-perception of facial appearance was associated with a decreased quality of life.
Factors such as the length of time since enucleation and previous binocular experience did not show any correlation with psychosocial health indicators. This suggests, says Steeves, that developmental aspects - particularly those related to visual maturation occurring during early childhood - may play a more substantial role in psychosocial outcomes than experiential factors.
Participants with early enucleation displayed no significant differences in psychosocial factors compared to the control group, indicating that the timing of the eye removal may considerably alter the trajectory of emotional and social well-being.
"The study's findings have notable implications for clinical practices around eye health and rehabilitation for individuals who have undergone enucleation," says Steeves, adding that more tailored psychological support for those experiencing late enucleation may help to address the specific challenges they face related to changes in appearance and vision.
"By understanding the critical periods of visual development, health-care professionals might improve support strategies for affected individuals, enhancing their overall quality of life and emotional well-being."
The study is available in the journal PLOS One.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
