Most of us don't think very much about our sight until something changes. We use our sight for so many things without thinking about it — driving to work, reading a message, making dinner, seeing our child's face or recognising someone we love across the room. Many of us do these things without stopping to think about how much we rely on our sight.

With World Sight Day today and World Mental Health Day just two days later, it is a good time to talk about something we don't always associate with changes to our sight: the emotional impact.

According to the World Health Organisation, at least 2.2 billion people globally have a near or distance vision impairment. For at least one billion, that impairment could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. The WHO also points to higher rates of depression and anxiety among adults with vision impairment, while social isolation can be a particular concern for older adults.

But statistics don't tell us what it actually feels like when it happens to you.

Vision loss can happen gradually because of an eye condition or changes associated with ageing. It can also be linked to diabetes or another health condition or happen after an accident, injury or illness. Some people have lived with low vision or blindness for most of their lives.

Someone whose sight changes suddenly may have a lot to adjust to in a very short period of time. When sight declines gradually, those adjustments may happen over months or years. There are practical questions about driving, work, getting around or managing at home, but also more personal ones about independence, relationships and whether you will have to give up things that matter to you.

At Vision Bermuda, we see how people adapt to those changes. With the right skills, tools and support, people living with vision loss continue to work, parent, travel, study, exercise, socialise and contribute to our community. Something as simple as preparing a meal, reading again or going somewhere independently can help to restore both confidence and independence.

At Solstice, we know there can also be a lot to adjust to emotionally. There may be grief for what has changed, frustration at needing help with something that used to be easy, worries about work or money, or uncertainty about the future. It can affect relationships and confidence, and sometimes people begin to withdraw from things they previously enjoyed.

That does not mean we should assume someone experiencing vision loss will struggle with their mental health. But we should not overlook the emotional impact just because there are practical things that need to be dealt with first.

What helps will depend on the person. It may be practical support, talking to family or friends, counselling or spending time with someone who has been through something similar. There can be real comfort in not having to explain every part of what you are going through.

It is one of the reasons Vision Bermuda and Solstice are working together to offer free, dedicated women's and men's support groups for people affected by vision loss. The groups will give people a chance to talk openly and connect with others who may be going through similar experiences.

Support also happens outside a counselling room. Family and friends can make a difference by staying connected, continuing to include someone and asking what would be helpful rather than assuming. And sometimes it is simply about asking how someone is doing and being prepared to hear the answer.

This year's World Sight Day campaign asks us to #LoveYourEyes. Having regular eye examinations, paying attention to changes in our vision and seeking professional advice when something doesn't seem right are all important. But so is recognising that when someone's sight changes, the impact can extend well beyond their vision.

• Erica Ingemann is the executive director of Vision Bermuda and Kelly Madeiros is the managing director and cofounder of Solstice