IMPACT OF STRABISMUS SURGICAL CORRECTION ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE PATIENTS ADMITTED IN DR. M.K. SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE AND RESEARCH CENTRE, AHMEDABAD

Abstract

Background: Patients with strabismus often suffer from several psychosocial and emotional consequences. Strabismus surgery address both the functional and psychosocial complaints as both these parameters affect patients' quality of health. Aims &objectives: To assess change in quality of life after surgical correction Methodology: This prospective study was conducted among 50 patients who underwent strabismus surgery at the Ophthalmology Department of Dr. M.K. Shah Medical College and Research Centre, Ahmedabad. Information regarding selfesteem, self-condence, self-assessment of intelligence, effect on employment options, and interpersonal relationships. Quality of life was measured through SF-8 questionnaire. Assessment was done preoperatively and at three months after surgery for any change in these parameters. Results: Mean age of 37.2 ± 10.2 years were enrolled. About 58.0% were female. Only 5 out of 50 (10.0%) experienced preoperative diplopia. Majority of the patients responded that strabismus caused embarrassment (86.0%), trouble in eye contact (86.0%), negative self-esteem (80.0%), camouage (70.0%). After surgery, 49 (98.0%) patients were satised. Improvement in self-esteem, ability to meet new people, relationship and employment, were reported by 43 (86.0%), 31 (62.0%), 12 (24.0%) and 5 (10.0%) and patients. SF-8 scores subscales (except bodily pain, vitality, role emotional subscales) were statistically signicant differences (P<0.05). The average postoperative utility value was 0.86 ± 0.23 with gain of 0.12 ± 0.14 gain. Conclusion: Patients with strabismus have psychosocial difculties. Strabismus corrective surgery causes signicant psychosocial and functional benets and improve the quality of life.