LAUSR

Key Points Question Is visual health across the full acuity spectrum associated with depressive symptoms and corresponding changes in brain imaging signatures among middle-aged and older adults? Findings In this cohort study of 114 583 participants from the UK Biobank Study, poorer visual acuity was associated with depressive symptoms measured by Patient Health Questionnaire score across the full spectrum. In addition, poorer visual acuity exacerbated the linear associations between Patient Health Questionnaire score and extracellular water diffusion in the fornix (cres) and/or stria terminalis. Meaning These findings suggest that visual health is associated with depressive symptoms and altered brain neurobiology and that health care practitioners should consider these outcomes when performing routine mental health screening.