Vision-related Quality Of Life In Patients Research Articles

Vision-Related Quality of Life After Fyodorov-Zuev Keratoprosthesis in China.

The purpose of this study was to assess vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) and its determinants in patients with implanted Fyodorov-Zuev (MICOF) KPro. Eighty-eight patients with bilateral corneal blindness who underwent unilateral Fyodorov-Zuev (MICOF) KPro implantation were included in this cross-sectional study. VR-QoL was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression were used to identify VR-QoL determinants. Eighty-eight patients, aged 50.00 ± 13.72 years, with a mean postoperative time of 5.13 ± 3.31 years, were included. The composite NEI-VFQ-25 score improved from 17.04 ± 5.60 to 46.00 ± 19.21 (P < 0.01) after Fyodorov-Zuev (MICOF) KPro implantation. The multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that the postoperative composite score was correlated with postoperative visual acuity (VA) of the operative eye (B = -21.66, P < 0.01). Improvement in NEI-VFQ scores was associated with better postoperative VA of the operative eye (B = -18.67, P < 0.01) and poorer preoperative VA of the fellow eye (B = 7.11, P < 0.05). VR-QoL in patients with bilateral corneal blindness was significantly impaired but improved after Fyodorov-Zuev (MICOF) KPro implantation. Improvement in VR-QoL was inversely associated with postoperative VA of the operative eye but positively correlated with preoperative VA of the fellow eye. This study affirmed that Fyodorov-Zuev (MICOF) KPro was an effective alternative for patients with corneal blindness with respect to VR-QoL.

Vision-related quality of life in low-vision patients who underwent epiretinal membrane surgery

Aims: To evaluate the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with low vision, who underwent epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery with pars plana vitrectomy. Methods: Twenty subjects with unilateral ERM and 20 healthy subjects as CG were included in the study. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) was used. In ERM cases, the two-step 23 G vitrectomy was performed with a similar technique by the same experienced vitreoretinal surgeon. The relationship between the composite score and visual acuity was evaluated. Reliability analysis was performed. Flexible discriminant analysis was performed to group individuals according to the NEI VFQ-25 results. Results: The preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in ERM group was 1.04±0.41. Postoperative visual improvement reached statistical significance (p&lt;0.001) and postoperative 6th month BCVA was 0.61±0.41. The composite score was significantly lower in patients with ERM than in CG (p=0.017). The subscale scores were significantly lower in the patients with ERM than in the CG in general vision, ocular pain, near activities and distance activities (p&lt;0.001, p=0.005, p&lt;0.001, p=0.003, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between the composite score and visual acuity (R2=0.19, p=0.004). The scale has high reliability (Cronbach's alpha=0.8743). The accuracy of the flexible discriminant function was found to be 100%. Conclusion: The NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire may help to define the effects of ERM surgery since visual acuity does not fully reflect VR-QOL. Impaired binocular vision may be associated with the deterioration of VR-QOL in patients with ERM in the postoperative period.

VISION AND METAMORPHOPSIA OUTCOMES OF MACULAR BUCKLING FOR FOVEOSCHISIS-ASSOCIATED MACULAR DETACHMENT IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES.

To assess the functional outcomes in visual acuity, metamorphopsia, and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and to evaluate prognostic factors after macular buckling (MB) surgery in eyes with high myopia and foveoschisis (FS)-associated macular detachment (MD). Thirty-nine eyes of 39 patients with FS-associated MD who underwent MB surgery were enrolled. Measured outcomes comprised best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), metamorphopsia, VR-QOL, axial length (AL), macular reattachment, and resolution of foveoschisis. In addition, factors affecting final BCVA and metamorphopsia were analyzed. At 12 months postoperatively, 36 eyes (92.31%) achieved macular reattachment, 37 eyes (94.87%) achieved complete resolution of foveoschisis, and metamorphopsia diminished in 31 eyes (79.49%). LogMAR BCVAs at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postoperatively were 0.62 ± 0.35 (20/83), 0.65 ± 0.3 (20/89), 0.59 ± 0.31 (20/77), 0.54 ± 0.31 (20/69), and 0.46 ± 0.27 (20/57) (P < 0.001), respectively. Metamorphopsia scores by M-CHARTS were 1.36° ± 0.51°, 1.04° ± 0.51°, 0.74° ± 0.47°, 0.59° ± 0.47°, and 0.13° ± 0.29° (P < 0.001). All Visual Function Questionnaire-25 subscales demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively, with the exception of "general health" (P = 0.08) and "driving" (P = 0.111). Preoperative BCVA was an independent risk factor for postoperative BCVA at month 12 (r = 0.638, P < 0.001), and the preoperative M-score was an independent risk factor for postoperative M-score at month 12 (r = 0.187, P = 0.045). MB surgery significantly improved BCVA, metamorphopsia, and VR-QOL in patients with FS-associated MD. Preoperative BCVA and metamorphopsia score were prognostic factors for postoperative BCVA and metamorphopsia score at month 12.

Structural validity of the impact of vision impairment questionnaire among patients with visual impairment in Thailand

BackgroundThe Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire is used to assess vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) among patients with visual impairment. This study aims to evaluate the factor structure of the IVI in the context of Thai culture to assess psychometric properties. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between February and July 2022. Purposive sampling was used to include 502 patients with visual impairment who received treatment at a tertiary eye center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The data were collected using the interviewer-administered questionnaire. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one employed for exploratory factor analysis (EFA; n = 251) and the other for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA; n = 251). ResultsEFA yielded 28 items that supported a four-factor structure: behaviors related to mobility and independence (8 items), reading (3 items), self-dependence (7 items), and emotional impact of vision loss (10 items), with a total variance of 64.9 %. The model fit was good: χ2/df = 1.66, CFI = 0.949, TLI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.052, and SRMR = 0.041. The AIC and BIC for the bifactor four-factor model (17,484.86 and 17,879.41, respectively) were lower than those for the bifactor three-factor model (17,566.44 and 17,961.29, respectively), indicating that the former showed the best fit. ConclusionsGiven its good reliability and validity, the IVI scale has been extensively used to explore the impact of visual impairment on the VRQOL of patients in the clinical setting, thus greatly benefitting researchers, healthcare providers, and ophthalmologists.

Vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma before and after trabeculectomy.

To determine vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) and functional and structural parameters associated with VR-QoL in patients with glaucoma before and 12 months after trabeculectomy. Fifty-eight patients undergoing trabeculectomy were included. Participants completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) prior to and 12 months after trabeculectomy. Functional (visual acuity and visual fields) and structural (ganglion cell layer volume) parameters were evaluated for their association with VR-QoL using multiple linear regression of VFQ-25 subscale scores. Intraocular pressure and the number of glaucoma medications were also included in the analyses. The VFQ-25 composite score did not change after trabeculectomy (before: 74.9; 12 months: 74.0; p = 0.512). The subscale mental health had a significantly higher score 12 months after trabeculectomy (before: 65.6; 12 months: 71.4; p = 0.017). The VFQ-25 scores for general health (before: 68.5; 12 months: 62.5; p = 0.009) and role difficulties (before: 78.9; 12 months: 53.7; p < 0.001) were significantly lower 12 months after trabeculectomy. No functional or structural parameters were associated with VFQ-25 composite score. Overall, VR-QoL in glaucoma patients was similar before and after trabeculectomy, reflecting the procedure's stabilizing effect on both objective and subjective visual function. The absence of correlations between VR-QoL and clinical parameters emphasizes the multifaceted nature of VR-QoL and highlights the limitations of depending solely on objective clinical metrics to evaluate patients' subjective experiences. Using both objective measures and VR-QoL, clinicians can better understand the challenges patients face due to glaucoma and trabeculectomy, potentially leading to better solutions.

Vision-related quality of life in patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma

Quality of life (QoL) is a critical component of aftercare in survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma (CP). Visual impairment adversely affects QoL after CP. This study assessed the frequency of visual impairment in patients with CP and its association with QoL. This study analyzed vision-related QoL in patients recruited 2000–2019 in the prospective cohort studies KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000/2007. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed at diagnosis, three, 12, and 36 months, respectively after the diagnosis. The QoL (PEDQOL) scores, were also evaluated at three, 12, and 36 months, respectively after the CP diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with visual impairment during follow-up. One-hundred twenty patients were included in this study. On ophthalmological examination, visual impairment was observed in the majority of the patients (n = 84, 70%) at CP diagnosis. After surgery, vision was restored in 27 patients (32%) with visual impairment at diagnosis. In the first (p = 0.017) and third (p = 0.011) year after diagnosis, parents of patients with visual impairment reported lower social functioning (family). Reduced autonomy was found three years after diagnosis in self- (p = 0.029) and parental (p = 0.048) assessments. Next to visual impairment at diagnosis, no additional risk factors for visual impairment during follow-up could be identified. Visual impairment has a clinically relevant impact on QoL after CP. The visual status at CP diagnosis determines the visual outcome during follow-up. Early detection of visual impairment, regular QoL assessments, and risk-appropriate aftercare are recommended.Clinical Trial Registration KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000 (Clinical trial registration number: NCT00258453) and KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007 (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01272622).

Charles Bonnet Syndrome Adversely Affects Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Glaucoma

To investigate the impact of Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in patients with glaucoma. Cross-sectional cohort study. Twenty-four patients with CBS and 42 matched controls without CBS out of 337 patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) with visual field (VF) loss. A matching technique was used to identify control patients with similar disease stage, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and age to patients with CBS. Patients' VRQoL was determined using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25). Rasch-calibrated NEI VFQ-25 scores of the CBS group and the control group were compared. Uni- and multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of different factors on VRQoL. Vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma with CBS and without CBS. Vision-related quality of life scores were significantly lower in the CBS group than in the control group on both the visual functioning scale with 39 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 30-48) vs. 52 points (95% CI: 46-58) (P=0.013) and on the socioemotional scale with 45 points (95% CI: 37-53) vs. 58 points (95% CI: 51-65) (P=0.015). Univariable regression analysis showed that integrated visual field mean deviation (IVF-MD) (r2=0.334, P<0.001), BCVA in the better eye (r2=0.117, P=0.003), and the presence of CBS (r2=0.078, P=0.013) were significantly correlated to VRQoL scores on the visual functioning scale. Integrated visual field mean deviation (r2=0.281, P<0.001), age (r2=0.048, P=0.042), and the presence of CBS (r2=0.076, P=0.015) were significantly correlated to VRQoL scores on the socioemotional scale. Multivariable regression analysis showed that IVF-MD and the presence of CBS accounted for nearly 40% of the VRQoL score on the visual functioning scale (R2=0.393, P<0.001) and for 34% of the VRQoL score on the socioemotional scale (R2=0.339, P<0.001). Charles Bonnet syndrome had a significant negative association to VRQoL in patients withglaucoma. Presence of CBS should be considered when evaluating VRQoL in patients with glaucoma. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

The impact of surgery on self-reported metamorphopsia and vision-related quality of life in patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole

Background:Metamorphopsia (distorted vision) is among the most common symptoms reported by patients with idiopathic full thickness macular hole (iFTMH) and is related to significant deterioration in Vision-Related Quality-of-Life (VRQoL). Surgical closure with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is the chief determinant of visual acuity postoperatively, but the extent of visual improvement is variable. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of surgery on the self-reported prevalence and severity of metamorphopsia and the VRQoL in patients with an iFTMH. Methods: Prospective consecutive case series study. The Metamorphopsia Questionnaire (MeMoQ) and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire - 39 (VFQ-39; assesses the VRQoL) were completed by patients before and three months post-PPV for iFTMH. The pre- and post-operative presence and severity of metamorphopsia was highlighted through a severity scale with a maximum of 9 points for the 9 questions in the MeMoQ. Responses for the VFQ-39 were categorised into subscales as per the VFQ-39 guidance. Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed for each subscale to identify subscales with a statistically significant improvement post-PPV. Results: 30 patients: 9 male, 21 female. Age range 47-82 y/o. Operated between August 2019 - December 2020 at St Paul’s Eye Unit, Liverpool. There was a statistically significant improvement of metamorphopsia (P&lt;0.05) following surgery, with a mean reduction in severity of 2.18 points. In the VFQ-25, a statistically significant improvement (P&lt;0.05) was seen in the following subscales; general vision, near activities, distance activities, social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, dependency, driving and peripheral vision. Discussion: This study highlights the significant improvement of metamorphopsia associated with an improvement in vision in patient who underwent vitrectomy for FTMH. The significant improvement in the mental health is particularly interesting in this COVID era where patients are susceptible to an increased risk of mental health deterioration.

Time course of changes in vision-related quality of life following intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for branch retinal vein occlusion

To evaluate the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) treated by intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to assess subscale items of the VR-QOL. This was prospective, multicenter, open-label, observational study including 38 patients with unilateral BRVO who underwent IVR treatment and 28 age-matched healthy subjects. VR-QOL using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were examined before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The VFQ-25 composite score and BCVA significantly improved from 3 to 12 months after IVR treatment (P < 0.05), such that there was no significant difference between the BRVO and control groups at 12 months. All subscales of the VFQ-25, except “general health”, significantly improved after treatment, while “near vision” and “mental health” were worse than those in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with superior BRVO had a lower “near vision” score than healthy subjects after treatment (P < 0.05). BCVA in the treated eye and fellow eye had no significant relationship with the VFQ-25 composite score before and after treatment. The VR-QOL of patients with BRVO improved with IVR treatment and was comparable to that of healthy subjects after 12 months. Superior BRVO particularly affected near vision for a low level.

Calibration of the Dutch EyeQ to Measure Vision Related Quality of Life in Patients With Exudative Retinal Diseases.

PurposeThis study aims to develop an item-bank to measure vision-related quality of life (Vr-QoL) and subsequently calibrate this set of items.MethodsThree Vr-QoL instruments were searched for suitable items to be added in the EyeQ. Patients who received antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment for various retinal diseases involving macular edema were included in the study and completed the 47-item EyeQ. Item response theory (IRT) was used to calibrate the EyeQ items, which was performed multiple times in subsets as a novel approach, containing 80% of the data. Differential item functioning (DIF) was evaluated for various variables.ResultsResponses of 704 patients were used in analysis. One item violated the local independence IRT-assumption and showed a high percentage of missing values, after which this item was deleted from the item-bank. The data of the five subsets fitted the graded response model adequately, and no DIF was detected for items between subsets, after which mean item parameters were calculated. Item fit statistics were found to be good. DIF was detected for gender, age, and administration mode by the patient (independently vs. with help), this involved three items, which all showed negligible impact on total scores.ConclusionsBecause of separate calibrations of the EyeQ in multiple subsets, a high robustness of item parameters is expected.Translational RelevanceThe calibrated EyeQ can now be used for the assessment of Vr-QoL in patients suffering from exudative retinal diseases and is promising for use as a computer adaptive test.

Comparison of Vision-related Quality of Life Between Normal Tension Glaucoma and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma.

Although there was little difference in overall vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) between patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after controlling for confounding factors, POAG tended to have poorer VRQOL, especially in social functioning and dependency, than NTG. The fundamental goal of treatment of patients with glaucoma is to preserve their VRQOL. The aim of this study was to compare VRQOL between patients with NTG and those with POAG. The self-reported National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) survey was performed, including clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data from 506 Korean patients with NTG and 287 with POAG. The mean deviation of the integrated binocular visual field was calculated using the best location method. The NEI VFQ-25 results were evaluated by Rasch analysis to control item difficulty and variation in individual response ability. Propensity score matching was used to control for various confounding factors affecting VRQOL. Although patients with POAG tended to have worse VRQOL than those with NTG, there was no statistically significant between-group difference in ocular pain, near and distance activities, mental health, role difficulties, ability to drive, and the overall composite score. However, the social functioning (P=0.016) and dependency (P=0.026) were significantly poorer in POAG patients. Overall VRQOL in patients with NTG and POAG was found to be similar. However, social functioning and dependency were significantly worse in those with POAG. These findings are relevant to supporting glaucoma patients.

Relationship between stereopsis and vision-related quality of life in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion.

BackgroundTo investigate the relationship between stereopsis and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) before and after treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR).MethodsThis prospective multicentred observational study included 37 patients undergoing IVR treatment for unilateral BRVO and 24 age-matched healthy controls.Stereopsis was evaluated using the TNO stereo test (TNO) and Titmus stereo test (TST) every month, and the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was administered at baseline, then at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment.ResultsTime course of the changes in stereopsis and VR-QOL. IVR treatment significantly reduced central fovea thickness and improved both the TNO and the TST from 2 to 12 months (both p<0.05). Stereopsis before and after IVR injection in the eyes with BRVO were significantly worse than those in control subjects (TNO, p<0.001; TST, p<0.001). The VFQ-25 composite score significantly improved from 3 to 12 months after IVR treatment (p<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the TNO score at baseline was significantly correlated with the VFQ-25 composite score at baseline and after treatment (p<0.05, p<0.05, respectively). TST score was not associated with the VFQ-25 composite score at baseline or after treatment.ConclusionsTreatment with IVR for BRVO improved cystoid macular oedema, which was correlated to improved stereopsis, although not to the control level. The TNO score at baseline was associated with VR-QOL in patients with BRVO.

The impact of phacoemulsification surgery on vision-related quality of life in senile cataract patients.

Background:Phacoemulsification surgery may have beneficial effects on the quality of life of patients with senile cataract. These effects can be evaluated with the help of questionnaires and tests.Purpose:To evaluate the effect of the phacoemulsification surgery on the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with senile cataract using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and functional independence measure (FIM) tests.Methods:The data collection was prospective. NEI-VFQ-25 and FIM tests were measured by a masked ergo-therapist. The patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery were included in this study. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), NEI-VFQ-25 and FIM scores were compared in the preoperative period and at least 3 months after the surgery according to demographic properties including gender, age, education status, as well as the BCVA level and laterality.Results:Preoperative mean BCVA and NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores improved significantly (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). All NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores except the general health (p = 0.235) and driving (p = 0.226) showed a significant postoperative increase. The postoperative NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores showed a significant increase in all subgroup analyses (p < 0.05 for all). Patients with poorer BCVA, bilateral surgery, and low education status had lower preoperative NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores than the patients with better BCVA, unilateral surgery, and high education status (p = 0.026, p = 0.016, and p = 0.032, respectively). All FIM scores were similar in the preoperative and postoperative periods regardless of subgroup analyses (p > 0.05 for all).Conclusion:Phacoemulsification surgery can provide a satisfying improvement in VR-QOL in patients with cataracts. As a valid and reliable test, the NEI-VFQ-25 scale can be used to measure the visual function after the ocular surgeries.

Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Inherited Retinal Dystrophies.

Purpose:To evaluate the effect of inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) among IRDs' patients in Iran.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 patients with different types of IRDs who were randomly selected from registered patients in the Iranian National Registry for Inherited Retinal Dystrophy (IRDReg®). All ophthalmic findings were collected based on the recorded data in IRDReg®. Moreover, the eligible participants were interviewed to fill out the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) to assess their VRQoL. Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate the possible association of the different clinical and nonclinical factors such as demographic information, socioeconomic status, and visual function with VRQoL.Results:The overall mean of a composite score of VRQoL was 45. All subscales obtained from the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire except general health, mental health, and ocular pain had a significant negative correlation with logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and near visual acuity variables. There was a statistically significant relationship between VRQoL and factors like age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–0.94), employment status (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.05–4.74), logMAR BCVA (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.19–0.49) and normal color vision (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.74–5.01).Conclusion:The VRQoL of patients with IRDs in this study was low. BCVA could be an indicator to show VRQoL.

The effects of loading ranibizumab on vision-related quality of life in the treatment of low-risk neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Background:The loss of central vision plays a major role in the quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the changes in QoL in the treatment of low-risk neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in vision-related QoL in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab loading dose for low-risk neovascular AMD.Design:A prospective study.Methods:Forty-two eyes of 42 patients receiving ranibizumab injections for neovascular AMD were included in this prospective study. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) of the patients before the treatment, and 1 month after three loading doses were evaluated. Turkish version of the National Eye Institute 25-Item Vision Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25 TR) was conducted. The changes of QoL scores through the NEI VFQ-25 TR questionnaire were compared with visual acuity (VA) and CMT measurements before the injections and 1 month after the loading dose.Results:Forty-two patients (19 females and 23 males) were included in the study, and the mean age was 72.69 ± 7.12 years. After the treatment, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA (0.98 ± 0.44, 0.76 ± 0.42 logMAR, p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in CMT (357.90 ± 71.71, 274.50 ± 58.35 μm, p < 0.001) was observed. The QoL composite score was found to be statistically significantly higher after the treatment (64.27 ± 11.47, 68.56 ± 11.39, p < 0.001). General vision (p < 0.001), ocular pain (p = 0.025), near activities (p < 0.001), distance activities (p = 0.027), vision-specific mental health (p = 0.014), vision-specific role difficulties (p < 0.001), and peripheral vision (p = 0.046) were significantly higher after the treatment.Conclusion:NEI VFQ-25 TR is a useful questionnaire for evaluating changes in visual functions and psychosocial characteristics of low-risk neovascular AMD patients before and after the injections.

Population-based study on the prevalence, clinical characteristics and vision-related quality of life in patients with corneal opacity resulting from infectious keratitis: results from the Corneal Opacity Rural Epidemiological study

AimTo estimate prevalence and characterise clinical features and vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) of corneal opacities (COs) resulting from infectious keratitis in a rural North Indian population.MethodsThe Corneal Opacity Rural...

Relationship between stereopsis and vision-related quality of life following intravitreal ranibizumab injections for central retinal vein occlusion

The study aimed to evaluate changes in stereopsis and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IVR) and investigate the relationship between stereopsis and VR-QOL. This study included 23 treatment-naïve patients with non-ischemic CRVO and 13 age-matched normal controls. Stereopsis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), VR-QOL, and retinal microstructures were examined pre-treatment and 12 months post-treatment. The Titmus Stereo Test (TST) and TNO stereotest (TNO) were used to evaluate stereopsis. VR-QOL was evaluated using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). IVR immediately and significantly improved the TST values, TNO values, composite VFQ-25 score, BCVA, and central foveal thickness in patients with CRVO. The 12-month post-treatment TST and TNO values were significantly worse in the CRVO group compared to those in the normal group. At the baseline, the composite VFQ-25 score significantly correlated only with the TST value. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between the 12-month post-treatment composite VFQ-25 score and the baseline and 12-month post-treatment TNO values. In conclusion, IVR immediately improved stereopsis in CRVO, albeit below normal levels. Stereopsis (not visual acuity) was associated with pre- and post-treatment VR-QOL in patients with CRVO.

Evaluation of vision-related quality of life in retinitis pigmentosa patients with low vision.

To investigate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on vision-related quality of life (QoL) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with low vision. Retrospective. Thirty-three RP patients with low vision who had tunnel vision due to RP and 27 volunteers with healthy vision (controls) were included in the study. Visual loss was classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) was used to determine vision-related QoL. Static automated perimetry (Central 30-2 threshold program) was used for visual field testing, and the degree of the central visual field was calculated. Reading speed was calculated using the Minnesota Low-Vision Reading Acuity Chart (MNREAD) with best near correction. The mean total scores from the NEI VFQ-25 were 47.8 ± 15.8 in the RP group and 94.8 ± 4.3 in the control group (P < .001 for total and subscale scores). The mean total score and the social functioning and dependency scores were higher in the men than in the women (P = .016). The NEI VFQ-25 scores increased when reading speed was above 80 words per minute (wpm). Positive correlations were found between the degree of the central visual field and the mean total score and the general vision, near, and distance activities; social functioning; mental health; role difficulties; dependency; and color vision scores. The factors that affected the NEI-VFQ-25 score the most were male sex and degree of the central visual field in the RP group, whilst education level and the presence of systemic disease were the most effective factors in the controls. The only modifiable factor affecting vision-related QoL in patients with RP was reading speed; thus, QoL could improve if reading speed is increased in patients with RP.

Impacts of monocular, binocular, and functional visual acuity on vision-related quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes

Although the association between visual acuity (VA) and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) has been well reported in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), little is known about how unilateral and bilateral VA affects daily performance in such patients. For this cross-sectional study, patients were recruited from the Diabetes Shared Care Network of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhong-Xiao Branch, Taipei City Hospital in Taiwan. Ninety patients with T2DM (51 men and 39 women) with a mean age of 60.3 ± 10.5 (standard deviation) years, 47% of whom had diabetic retinopathy, were included. The purposes were to compare the impacts of VA in the better eye, both eyes, and three forms of functional acuity scores (FAS) on VRQoL in patients with T2DM. VRQoL and corrected VA were assessed with the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, respectively. Three FAS algorithms proposed by Colenbrander and the American Medical Association were used to assess FAS. Regression analyses were performed to determine the correlations among the five types of VA, the original composite scores, and the Rasch-calibrated composite scores of the NEI VFQ-25 on all patients with T2DM and on the same patients stratified by diabetic retinopathy (DR) and no-DR. The VA of both eyes had a higher impact on VRQoL and revealed a lower reduction estimated by the two forms of composite scores than did the VA of the better eye and three FAS algorithms (compared with binocular VA β estimates, − 14.5%, − 15.8%, − 29.3%, and − 11.8% for original composite scores, and − 16.1%, − 14.0%, − 24.6%, and 10.3% for Rasch-calibrated composite scores). When the T2DM group was stratified into DR and no-DR groups, significant associations between VA and VRQoL were observed only in the DR group. The VA of both eyes also had the greatest impact and reduction after stratification. The results indicated that unilateral better-eye VA and VA estimated by the three FAS algorithms seems to underestimate the impact of visual impairment on self-report VRQoL in patients with T2DM. This study provides empirical support for the importance of binocular VA assessment in regular clinical diabetes eye care.

Monocular and binocular visual parameters associated to vision-related quality of life in patients with epiretinal membrane: a prospective cohort.

Binocular visual impairment related to unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membranes (uiERM) and its association with vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to explore binocular visual parameters (distance binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), aniseikonia, stereopsis) and VR-QoL in patients with uiERM. We carried out a prospective single-centre cohort study. The following data were collected: VR-QoL (NEI VFQ-25), distance monocular and binocular BCVA, horizontal and vertical metamorphopsia (M-charts test), horizontal and vertical aniseikonia (NAT TEST) and stereoacuity (TNO test). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors influencing VR-QoL. Forty-six patients with uiERM and visual complaints were included. Aniseikonia was found in 40 (80%) participants. Stereoacuity was poor (above 120 s of arc) in 46 (100%) participants. Distance monocular BCVA, horizontal metamorphopsia and horizontal aniseikonia were the factors associated with VR-QoL in patients with uiERM. In subjects presenting uiERM, aniseikonia is frequently found and stereopsis is constantly impaired. We advocate quantitative testing of metamorphopsia and aniseikonia in addition to BCVA for the assessment of global visual function. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy on these parameters and VR-QoL. EudraCT Number/ID RCB: 2016-A00252-49.