On Oct. 10, 2024, not only do we celebrate World Sight Day, a day to draw worldwide attention to eye health, but we also have a special reason to celebrate! Dr. Manon Veldman completed her PhD on this day with her groundbreaking research on fatigue in people with visual impairment, titled “EnergEYEze.
EnergEYEze: A Refreshing Look at Fatigue
Dr. Veldman’s research has focused on a topic that is often overlooked: the chronic fatigue experienced by many people with visual impairments. Her research, reveals that this fatigue goes far beyond just being tired after a long day.
The Tested eHealth-intervention
An important part of Dr. Veldman’s research was testing an innovative eHealth intervention. This intervention, developed in collaboration with experts by experience, offers a personalized program to manage fatigue. Through an accessible app, users can work on their symptoms at their own pace. They can read information, do exercises to better manage their energy, learn to relax and improve their sleep quality. The intervention is specifically designed to take into account the unique challenges people with visual impairments experience in their daily lives.
What did we learn?
- Fatigue is no exception: It turns out that people with visual impairments suffer from fatigue much more often than the general population. This is an eye-opener!
- Quality of life: There is a strong link between fatigue and quality of life. The more fatigue, the less enjoyment in daily life.
- Causes under the microscope: Dr. Veldman found that factors such as increased cognitive load and psychosocial stress contribute to that pesky fatigue.
- The eHealth intervention proved effective in reducing symptoms of fatigue!
Why This Matters
Dr. Veldman’s findings are not only interesting; they have real implications for the care and support of people with visual impairments. We need to:
- Early recognition: Healthcare professionals should be alert to fatigue symptoms and take them seriously.
- Targeted interventions: Effective strategies are needed to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
- Creating awareness: We need to make sure everyone understands how fatigue affects daily life.
A Call for Action
On this World Sight Day, we encourage everyone to reflect on the challenges faced by people with visual impairments. Dr. Veldman’s research shows how important it is to commit to better understanding and improved care. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone, regardless of their visual abilities, can thrive! Together, we can make a difference!