Abstract
PurposeAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most important causes of blindness globally and may lead to decreased quality of life. Utility values for AMD patients according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics have been little-studied, particularly among Asian populations.MethodsA total of 1,283 AMD patients were identified from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2012. A 45-degree digital retinal image for each eye was used to identify AMD patients. The utility values, calculated by the three level version of EuroQol-5D, of AMD patients according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were determined. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to identify factors associated with reduced utility values among AMD patients.ResultsThe mean utility value for AMD patients was 0.8765. Patients who were older (mean utility value 0.8339), were women (0.8488), had lower education levels (0.8287), were not employed (0.8467), and had lower household income (0.8022) had lower utility values (all p values <0.001). Utility values did not significantly differ according to AMD subtype (p value 0.729), likely due to the lack of enough power as only 48 patients had late AMD. Patients with lower best-eye visual acuity (BEVA) had lower utility values compared to those with high BEVA, even among those with high worst-eye visual acuity (WEVA) (p value <0.001).ConclusionSociodemographic factors and visual acuity are important factors in determining the quality of life among AMD patients. Preserving BEVA, regardless of WEVA, may be associated with improved quality of life.
Highlights
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause for blindness in developed countries [1]
A total of 1,283 AMD patients were identified from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2008 to 2012
A nationwide population-based cross-sectional survey consisting of health records from health interviews and examinations, Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is conducted by the Division of Chronic Disease Surveillance from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Summary
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause for blindness in developed countries [1]. A progressive disorder characterized by atrophy of the macula and central vision function impairment, AMD primarily affects the elderly population [2]. Due to the ever-increasing proportion of elderly adults, the incidence and prevalence of AMD are expected to increase globally [3]. Due to the fact that AMD may lead to serious vision impairment, one of the primary concerns for AMD patients is reduced quality of life. A major therapeutic goal for AMD management is maintaining the quality of life of the patients at a socially acceptable cost. Identifying and controlling factors associated with reduced utility values among AMD patients are needed in order to maximize the quality of life for AMD patients
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