Quality of life in Nepalese patients with low vision and the impact of low vision services

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the quality of life and the impact of low vision services in patients with low vision. MethodsThis prospective study evaluated visual function and vision-related quality of life in 44 Nepalese patients with low vision and compared that with age-gender matched normal population (N=40). The main outcome measure was 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) administered before and four weeks after the first examination. We were able to administer the follow-up questionnaires in only 23 out of 44 consecutive patients. Low vision services which included low vision devices (optical/non-optical), counseling and training were provided to all the participants. Self assessment of the low vision services was also obtained through a structured questionnaire in the follow-up patients. ResultsThe mean composite score (49.53±14.10) and all of the subscale score in NEI VFQ-25 for the low vision population were significantly lower than age and gender matched normal Nepalese population (89.90±7.8). The mean composite score increased by 5.74±3.9 and the six out of twelve subscale scores also improved significantly after low vision services. The low vision services were associated with improvement in objective measure of visual functioning in 90.9% (40 out of 44) of the patients at the first visit and were rated useful or very useful by 73.9% (17 out of 23) follow-up patients. ConclusionsLow vision patients have poor quality of life as measured with the NEI VFQ-25. Low vision service is associated with improved visual function, better quality of life and high rate of patient satisfaction.