Benefits of mental health support after open-globe injury

Ethan G. Lester; Alexander D. Gordon; Grayson W. Armstrong

doi:10.5693/djo.02.2026.05.002

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Published: Sep 25, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5693/djo.02.2026.05.002

Keywords:

adjustment, distress, open globe injury, ophthalmic trauma, psychosocial

Ethan G. Lester, PhD

Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7282-8865

Alexander D. Gordon, BS

Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida

Grayson W. Armstrong, MD, MPH

Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9102-5868

Abstract

Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, is common after severe eye trauma; however, there are no clear methods for treating these issues in the context of the injuries. We report the ophthalmic and psychological outcomes of 3 patients (ages 32-79) with open-globe injuries who participated in a novel mental health program embedded in our ophthalmology department post-surgery. Clinical outcomes were examined by extensive chart review and use of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 surveys. All patients showed improved mental health outcomes. Qualitative improvements in functioning and emotional regulation were also noted. This novel and expedited mental health support appeared beneficial in reducing anxiety and depression, offering a potential model for addressing emotional distress after severe ocular trauma.

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Lester EG, Gordon AD, Armstrong GW. Benefits of mental health support after open-globe injury. Digit J Ophthalmol. Published online September 25, 2026. doi:10.5693/djo.02.2026.05.002

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

References

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Lester EG, Armstrong GW, Vranceanu AM. Emotional recovery after ocular trauma: is there more than meets the eye? Eye 2022;36:244-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-020-01389-7

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Video-based surgical curriculum for open-globe injury repair, I: open-globe injury

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