Stigma and low vision. An analysis of experiences and feelings

Abstract

Highlights

• There is a lack of awareness about the difference between absolute and partial vision loss, facilitating the consolidation of negative stereotypes about low vision.
• The fragmentation of health services favors the adoption of autonomous adaptation processes to compensate for the lack of access to rehabilitation.
• Consolidating support networks in family, social, work, and medical environments is an effective strategy for managing low vision and the associated stigma.
• Physical adaptations in public places and transportation systems are necessary to promote autonomy. Furthermore, work and academic activities must be reorganized according to the level of visual functioning.

Introduction: Low vision is a sensory impairment that restricts the autonomous execution of activities of daily living, negatively affecting the quality of life and fostering the appearance of stigma. Objective: To explore the experiences and feelings about stigma experienced by people with low vision to provide elements that favor their understanding within the framework of a comprehensive care process. Materials and Methods: A phenomenological study was conducted, employing in-depth interviews with 10 low-vision individuals, selected based on convenience. Results: The reports indicate that the experiences associated with the stigmatization process include a lack of differentiation between individuals who are blind and those with low vision, inadequate signage, and cultural and communicative practices that are based on ocularcentrism. In terms of emotional responses, a lack of positive self-perception is the most significant factor, leading to social withdrawal. Finally, the proposed strategies encompass the formation of support networks, the provision of psychosocial assistance, the adaptation of physical spaces, and the promotion of organizational restructuring in educational institutions and companies. Discussion: The stigma associated with low vision is the result of a set of cultural factors and stereotypes, which can be explained as a phenomenon through the socio-ecological model, providing information to design interventions at the individual, community, organizational, and structural levels. Conclusion: The experiences derived from social interaction, educational processes, and work activity generate feelings that modify the stigmatization process in low-vision individuals. Therefore, studying and planning health interventions from different levels is advisable, considering the gender and life cycle perspective.

How to cite this article: Palencia Flórez Diana Cristina, Oviedo Cáceres María del Pilar. Stigma and low vision. An analysis of experiences and feelings. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(3):e3974. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3974