“Vision related quality of life in visually impaired patients”

Abstract

Background: The scale of the low vision problems is considerable. Most elderly people who experience visual impairment do so due to age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. A study in Devon concluded that an integrated approach to low vision rehabilitation can, as measured by patient’s satisfaction and low vision aids usage rate, result in a more successful service than traditional dispensing services. Aim: To assess vision –related quality of life (QOL) of patients with low vision. Objectives: To assess degree of difficulty with and importance of activities of daily living and to establish vision-related quality of life (QOL) scores. Material & Method: Each patients completed a ‘restrictions in activities of daily living questionnaire’(MLVQ) and vision specific QOL assessment (VCM1) to establish baseline measurements of vision related QOL in a group of low vision patients prior to their first clinic visit. Results & Interpretation: One hundred and ten patients who had low vision clinic appointments would be willing to participate in the study. Any patients who had been seen by other low vision services during the last six month were excluded &patients aged 16 years or less were excluded. A total of 80 patients (72.72% of those approached) agreed to take participate in the study. Conclusion: Most of the patients in the study were already in possession of low vision aids but many did not find them helpful for the various tasks of daily living that they were attempting to perform. Vision-related QOL issues causing patients most concern were: inability to carry out preferred activities due to their eyesight, frustration and annoyance due to their eyesight, fear of their vision deteriorating, safety outside the home and eyesight interfering with their life in general. Vision-related QOL issues causing patients less concern were: coping with everyday life, depression, embarrassment and loneliness due to their vision, and safe