Some research suggests that congenital blindness may help protect against schizophrenia by changing how the brain processes sensory information.

Scientists have found a link between congenital blindness and schizophrenia. Some studies show that people who are blind from birth, especially due to brain-related causes, have a low chance of developing schizophrenia.

This has led researchers to question how blindness at birth might change brain development in a way that protects against this mental health condition.

Some research suggests that people born blind or those who become blind early in life due to brain damage may have a lower risk of developing schizophrenia.

For instance, studies have found no cases of schizophrenia in individuals with congenital cortical blindness, even though both conditions can occur from similar factors, such as infections or genetic disorders.

A 2018 study in Western Australia examined nearly 468,000 children born between 1980 and 2001. While 0.4% developed schizophrenia and 1.9% developed psychosis, none of the 66 children with cortical blindness had either condition.

However, among 613 children with peripheral blindness (blindness caused by eye problems), a few developed psychosis, though schizophrenia was less common.

Although the connection is still uncertain, researchers believe vision plays a key role in brain development.

Some experts suggest that a theory called predictive coding — which explains how the brain processes sensory information — might help explain the link between blindness and schizophrenia. More research is needed to understand this relationship fully.

Researchers are trying to understand how vision is affected in schizophrenia. It’s unclear whether the issue starts in the brain or in earlier stages of visual processing, like the retina or visual pathways.

A 2022 review of scientific studies examined how schizophrenia affects the way the eye and brain process visual information. The findings suggest that changes in the retina and other early visual structures may alter how signals are sent to the brain. These changes could lead to misinterpreting visual information, possibly playing a role in the development of schizophrenia.

There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but a combination of medication and therapy can help manage symptoms. This includes:

  • Antipsychotic medications: These medications help reduce symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, by regulating dopamine levels in the brain. They are essential for managing schizophrenia and improving daily functioning.
  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals manage their thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and teaches coping strategies to improve overall functioning.
  • Social skills training: This training helps individuals improve communication and social interactions. It focuses on building stronger relationships, enhancing work or school participation, and improving overall quality of life.
  • Family therapy: Family therapy educates and supports family members to better understand the condition. It helps improve family communication and creates a supportive environment that reduces stress for everyone involved.

If symptoms are severe and do not improve with medication or therapy, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize them and ensure safety. Hospitalization offers a structured environment where doctors can provide intensive care and monitoring, especially during acute episodes.

Speak with a doctor if:

  • you think you may be experiencing early signs of psychosis, such as:
  • you’re being treated for schizophrenia and are experiencing serious side effects, such as:
  • your symptoms are worsening or not getting better

Some research suggests that congenital blindness may help protect against schizophrenia by changing how the brain processes sensory information. However, further research is still needed to confirm the exact link.

Yes, schizophrenia can affect vision. It can make it difficult to interpret visual information, leading to distortions of shapes and color. This makes it harder to identify objects and people.

Visual psychosis involves seeing fully formed images that are not actually there, such as people, shapes, and light.

Some research suggests that congenital or early cortical blindness may protect against schizophrenia. Although the exact reasons remain unclear, theories like predictive coding may help explain the connection.

More studies are needed to understand how vision and schizophrenia interact and whether blindness influences brain development in a way that prevents this mental health condition.