Editorial novembro 03, 2021 novembro 03, 2021

Spirituality and Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20210047

Religion/spirituality (R/S) is very important to most patients, with 84% of world’s population reporting a religious affiliation. Even those with no religion often report some level of spirituality, which may be defined as “the relationship or contact with a transcendent realm of reality [e.g., God, gods, spirits, deceased ancestors, etc.] that is considered sacred, the ultimate truth, or reality” (p.12).⁽⁾ Religion would be the “the institutional or communal aspect of spirituality, as a shared set of beliefs, experiences, and practices related to the transcendent and the sacred” (p.13). ⁽⁾

There is now growing evidence that there are important relations between R/S involvement and health. Higher levels of R/S are usually associated with greater well-being and better quality of life, as well as with less depression, substance use/abuse, and suicidal behavior. Better physical health and longer overall survival have also been associated with R/S involvement. Although less frequent, negative uses of R/S can also lead to worse mental and physical health outcomes.⁽⁾

[…]