A study published in Optometry and Vision Science highlights the significant burden of fatigue experienced by individuals with visual impairment. The research focuses on the need for recovery after work (NFR), a concept linked to occupational fatigue, and examines its association with visual status among workers with and without visual impairment. Data were collected through validated questionnaires from 58 workers with visual impairment and 189 without.

Findings indicate a strong association between visual status and NFR, with visual impairment increasing the level of fatigue reported (β: 23.34, p<0.001). Further analysis revealed that this relationship is mediated by depressive symptoms and challenges in daily activities. In the subgroup of workers with visual impairment, depressive symptoms were identified as the sole predictor of NFR (β: 16.91, p=0.001).

The study concludes that NFR is significantly linked to visual impairment, with depressive symptoms and daily activity hindrances as underlying factors. These insights could help in identifying and supporting workers with visual impairment who may be at risk for heightened fatigue after work.