A single-center, single-masked, waitlist-controlled RCT evaluated the Calm Health digital mindfulness app (≥10 min/day for 8 weeks) vs. waitlist control in 100 adults with non-infectious uveitis (NIU) who had baseline mild or greater anxiety or depression.
At 8 weeks, the intervention group had significantly lower GAD-7 scores (mean difference −1.7 pts; 95% CI: −3.17 to −0.23; p=0.02), PHQ-9 scores (−1.90 pts; p=0.001), and PSS-10 scores (−3.69 pts; p=0.002) vs. controls. Vision-related quality of life (NEI VFQ-25) did not differ significantly between groups (+1.98 pts; p=0.18).
- High attrition: only 70 of 100 randomized participants completed the 8-week primary endpoint (30% dropout). - Single-center design limits generalizability. - Short follow-up (8 weeks) leaves durability of mental health benefits unknown.
For adults with NIU and comorbid anxiety or depression, prescribing the Calm Health app as an adjunct may meaningfully reduce anxiety and depression symptoms within 8 weeks. This is especially relevant in practices with limited access to traditional mental health referrals.
