Worse Vision-related Quality Of Life Research Articles

Vision-Related Quality of Life Among Healthy, Preperimetric Glaucoma, and Perimetric Glaucoma Patients

To investigate the association of vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) with the central visual field and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in healthy control participants, patients with preperimetric glaucoma, and patients with perimetric glaucoma. Retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 39 healthy, 34 preperimetric glaucoma, and 145 perimetric glaucoma patients completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). A linear mixed-effect models was used to investigate the association between the glaucoma stage as measured by binocular 10-2 visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) and GCC thickness with the Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ score. A total of 436 eyes from 218 participants (mean age=67.2 [95% CI=65.1 to 69.2] years) were enrolled. VRQOL calculated by the NEI-VFQ Rasch-calibrated score was worst for patients with perimetric glaucoma (50.7 [95% CI=47.2 to 54.2]), followed by patients with preperimetric glaucoma (41.2 [95% CI=34.5 to 47.9]) and healthy controls (29.3 [95% CI=24.0 to 34.7]. Worse VRQOL had a moderate association with a worse global binocular 10-2 VFMS (-3.4 [95% CI=-5.0 to -1.9] dB per 1 score; P < .001; adjusted R2=0.27), but not with a thinner global GCC in the better eye (-0.1 [95% CI=-0.2 to 0.1] µm per 1 score; P =.0485; adjusted R2=0.17). These findings suggest that patients with perimetric and preperimetric glaucoma have worse VRQOL than patients with healthy eyes. As compared to macular thickness measurements, the central visual field is more strongly associated with VRQOL and may better help to identify patients in need of intervention.

Vision-related quality of life compared to generic measures in retinoblastoma survivors

PurposeTo (1) Compare vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) unilateral versus bilateral retinoblastoma (RB) survivors using a vision-targeted measure and a generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure and (2) Assess associations among VRQOL and generic HRQOL domains and overall QOL and estimate associations of the VRQOL and HRQOL domains with overall QOL.MethodsThe National Institute for Health (NIH) Toolbox® VRQOL instrument, PROMIS®-29 Profile v 2.1, and a single-item QOL measure were administered in a cross-sectional study of 101 RB survivors. Reliability for multi-item scales was estimated. Product-moment and Spearman rank correlation coefficients and stepwise ordinary least squares were used to measure associations of other variables with overall QOL.ResultsSignificantly worse VRQOL was reported by bilateral than unilateral RB survivors. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for all VRQOL scales ranged from 0.83 to 0.95. Medium to large correlations were found between all NIH Toolbox® VRQOL scales and the PROMIS®-29 measures. Depression and ability to participate in social roles and activities from the PROMIS®-29 Profile accounted for 38% of the variance in overall QOL with the psychosocial domain of the NIH Toolbox® VRQOL explaining 16% of the variance.ConclusionVRQOL is impaired in bilateral RB survivors. VRQOL is associated substantially with the PROMIS-29 generic HRQOL measure but has significant unique associations with overall QOL. The NIH Toolbox® VRQOL measure provides important information about the vision-related effects on daily life of AYA RB survivors.

Socio-Demographic, lifestyle and eye-related factors associated with quality of life Among people with glaucoma in Serbia.

The purpose of this study was to examine socio-demographic, lifestyle and ophthalmological factors associated with poorer Vision Related Quality of Life (VRQoL) in people with glaucoma. This cross-sectional study included 306 consecutive patients with glaucoma who presented for regular check-ups at the referral center in Belgrade (Serbia) from August 2015 to September 2016. The diagnosis of glaucoma was based on the glaucomatous disc cupping and reproducible visual field impairment on one or both eyes. Quality of life was examined using the validated Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ 25). A series of adjusted linear regression models showed that glaucoma patients with higher educational attainment, who were employed and still driving had better VRQoL. Worse visual acuity and visual field defect, being in later glaucoma stages, having lower intraocular pressure, having two laser interventions as well as having pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma was associated with worse VRQoL. Intake of fewer medications and having had no trabeculectomies on better eye as well as taking less drops per day on worse eye were associated with better VRQoL. Several socio-demographic, lifestyle and ocular factors can impact VRQoL in glaucoma patients. Identifying people who are at risk of having worse VRQoL could allow for earlier interventions, such as changes in therapy, undergoing surgery, use of mobility aids etc.

Association Between Ganglion Cell Complex Thinning and Vision-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma

Faster structural changes may be associated with worse vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma. To evaluate the association between the rate of ganglion cell complex thinning and the Vision Function Questionnaire in glaucoma. This retrospective analysis of a longitudinal cohort was designed in October 2021. Patients were enrolled from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study and the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study. Two hundred thirty-six eyes of 118 patients with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma were followed up with imaging for a mean of 4.1 years from September 2014 to March 2020. The Vision Function Questionnaire was evaluated using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function at the last follow-up visit. Ganglion cell complex thickness was derived from macular optical coherence tomography scans and averaged within 3 circular areas (3.4°, 5.6°, and 6.8° from the fovea) and superior and inferior hemiregions. Linear mixed-effects models were used to investigate the association between the rate of ganglion cell complex thinning and Rasch-calibrated Vision Function Questionnaire score. The mean (SD) age was 73.2 (8.7) years, 65 participants (55.1%) were female, and 53 participants (44.9%) were African American. Race was self-reported by the participants. Mean composite Rasch-calibrated National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire score was 50.3 (95% CI, 45.9-54.6). A faster annual rate of global ganglion cell complex thinning in the better eye was associated with a higher disability reflected by the composite National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire score (-15.0 [95% CI, -28.4 to -1.7] per 1 μm faster; P = .03). When stratified by degrees from the fovea, the 5.6° and 6.8° areas were associated with the composite National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire Rasch-calibrated score (-14.5 [95% CI, -27.0 to -2.0] per 1 μm faster; R2 = 0.201; P = .03; and -23.7 [95% CI, -45.5 to -1.9] per 1 μm faster; R2 = 0.196; P = .02, respectively), and -8.0 (95% CI, -16.8 to 0.8) per 1 μm faster for the 3.4° area (R2 = 0.184; P = .07) after adjusting for confounding factors. These findings suggest that faster and sectoral central location of ganglion cell complex thinning provides useful information in determining the risk of vision-related quality of life in glaucoma. Monitoring macular structure may be useful for determining the risk of functional impairment in glaucoma.

Vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma: the role of illness perceptions

PurposeTo explore the predictive effects of illness perceptions on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in Chinese glaucoma patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 97 patients with glaucoma completed the brief illness perception questionnaire (BIPQ), the glaucoma quality of life-15 (GQL-15) questionnaire, and a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic and clinical information. A correlation analysis and hierarchical linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe BIPQ total score was positively correlated with the total score of the GQL-15 questionnaire and the scores of its four dimensions. Chronic comorbidities, the type of glaucoma, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the mean defect (MD) of visual field in the better eye, and identity in the BIPQ were critical predictors of VRQoL. Illness perceptions independently accounted for 7.8% of the variance in the VRQoL of glaucoma patients.ConclusionsPatients with stronger illness perceptions and those who perceive themselves as having more glaucoma symptoms are likely to experience worse VRQoL. Illness perceptions in glaucoma patients deserve clinical attention, and further studies are needed to examine whether cognitive interventions targeting illness perceptions can improve VRQoL.

Predictors of vision-related quality of life in patients with macular oedema receiving intra-vitreal anti-VEGF treatment.

PurposeTo determine which demographic and clinical characteristics are predictive of vision‐related quality of life (VrQoL) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with macular oedema receiving intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.MethodsVision‐related quality of life (VrQoL) and quality of life (QoL) were measured in 712 patients with retinal exudative disease receiving anti‐VEGF treatment at baseline, 6 and 12 months. VrQoL was measured using an item‐response theory based 47‐question item bank (EyeQ), whereas QoL was measured using the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ‐5D) questionnaire. The EQ‐5D score was dichotomized into a perfect score of 1 and a suboptimal score of <1. Demographic and clinical patient characteristics were considered as possible predictors of (Vr)QoL. Prediction models for (Vr)QoL were created with linear mixed models and generalised estimating equations, using a forward selection procedure.ResultsA worse VrQoL was predicted by poorer LogMAR visual acuity of the better eye, female sex, single civil status, older age, longer length of anti‐VEGF treatment at baseline and the presence of non‐ocular and ocular comorbidities. Suboptimal EQ‐5D scores were predicted by poorer LogMAR visual acuity of the better eye, female sex, single civil status, older age, the presence of non‐ocular comorbidities and a lower educational background.ConclusionsAlong with visual acuity of the better eye, which is the main factor used in clinical decision making, other patient characteristics should also be considered for the risk assessment of (Vr)QoL, such as sex, age, civil status, comorbidities and length of anti‐VEGF treatment.

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.

Structure-Function Relationship and Vision-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma Secondary to Anterior Uveitis: Comparison with Open Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the structure–function characteristics and vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) in uveitic glaucoma (UG) compared with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Method: The study included 69 patients with UG and 138 patients with primary open angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma. A 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to evaluate the patients’ VR-QoL. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was measured using optical coherence tomography, and the integrated visual field (IVF) was determined using the best location method. Results: There were no significant differences in the binocular IVF and mean deviation (MD) of the affected eye between the OAG and UG group, whereas the average RNFLT was significant thinner in the OAG group (p = 0.008). The patients with UG showed a significantly lower composite score and five subscales of the VFQ-25, compared with those with OAG (p < 0.05, for all, general linear model). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that the composite score showed the strongest associations with the whole IVF (β = 1.240, p < 0.001) in the OAG group, whereas in the UG group, a significant association was seen only with the inferior VF of the affected eye (β = 0.596, p = 0.038). Conclusions: The eyes with UG exhibited distinctive structure–function characteristics and worse VR-QoL that differentiated them from OAG eyes.

Visual Impairments Are Associated With Retinal Microvascular Density in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate retinal microvascular density in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its correlation with visual impairment.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 24 eyes of 24 patients with PD and 23 eyes of 23 healthy controls. All participants underwent ophthalmic examination, visual evoked potential (VEP) test, 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examination. The correlation between retinal microvascular density and visual parameter was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated.ResultsParkinson’s disease patients had prolonged P100 latency (P = 0.041), worse vision-related quality of life (composite score and 3 of 12 subscales in NEI VFQ-25), and decreased vessel density (VD) in all sectors of 3-mm-diameter region (all P < 0.05) compared with healthy controls. There were no statistical differences in the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between the two groups. A negative correlation was found between P100 latency and nasal and superior sectors of macular VD in a 3-mm-diameter region (r = −0.328, P = 0.030; r = −0.302, and P = 0.047, respectively). Macular VD in a 3-mm-diameter region showed diagnostic capacities to distinguish PD patients from healthy controls (AUROCs, ranging from 0.655 to 0.723).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that decreased retinal microvascular density was correlated with visual impairment in PD patients. Retinal microvasculature change may occur earlier than visual decline and retinal structure change and has the potential to be a promising diagnostic marker for early PD.

Visual perception problems and quality of life in young adults with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

To investigate visual perception problems (VPPs), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in young adults with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and to compare the results with healthy controls. Thirty young adults with FASD (13 female; mean age 23 years) and 29 controls (20 female; mean age 25 years) participated. Five areas of VPPs were assessed by a structured history-taking. In the FASD group, VPPs were investigated both in childhood (mean age 8 years) and in early adulthood in a prospective follow-up. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was investigated with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL) and VRQoL with the 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Visual perception problems (VPPs) in at least one area were reported by 16/30 FASD participants (53%) and 1/29 controls (3%) (p = 0.0001, Fisher's exact test), with a similar rate in the same individuals in childhood as in early adulthood (8/27 and 15/27, respectively p = 0.09, McNemar's test). PedsQL total score was lower in the FASD group (n = 20; median: 83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 76-88) compared with controls (n = 29; median: 91; 95% CI 90-95; p = 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). VFQ-25 subscale general vision indicated lower VRQoL in the young adults with FASD (n = 19; median: 80; 95% CI 80-100) compared with controls (n = 29; median: 100; 95% CI 100-100; p = 0.003). Young adults with FASD in the present study had more VPPs and worse VRQoL and HRQoL than healthy controls. In the FASD group, VPPs were reported in childhood as well as in early adulthood.

The effects of age-related macular degeneration on quality of life in a Brazilian population

BackgroundTo evaluate the impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population using The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25).MethodsThis observational study included 462 participants from the Departments of Ophthalmology of the University of Campinas and Conderg-Divinolândia. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and Rasch analysis were used to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). Patients with macular neovascularization were interviewed at enrollment and after three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment.ResultsOne hundred thirty-three patients were excluded because they had another ophthalmic disease, for a total of 349 patients included in the study (177 in the AMD group, 172 in the control group; 56.4% were women; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.6 ± 9.5 years). Most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores were significantly lower in the AMD group compared with the control group. The Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ-25 median score in the visual-functioning component was 56.41 for the AMD group and 61.53 for the control group, a difference of ± 4.00 (P = 0.0001). Separate analyses of the sociodemographic and ocular characteristics showed that the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were affected mostly by family income, educational level, descent, diet (vegetables/fruits), physical activity, and visual acuity (VA). The longitudinal component assessed a different group of 48 patients with exudative disease treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change in VA in treated eyes was a 0.16 decrease (P = 0.01). The mean change in the optical coherence tomography macular thickness was a 36.74-μm decrease (P = 0.012) from baseline to 4 months. The mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up at 4 months in almost all subscales.ConclusionsIn a Brazilian community, patients with AMD had a worse VRQoL than controls. The AMD severity and bilaterality were associated with decreased NEI-VFQ-25 scores. Higher family income, educational level, descent, and lifestyle significantly improved several subscales of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Treated patients with exudative AMD had improvements in the VA, macular thickness, and most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores.

The impact of vision impairment on vision-related quality of life of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

To investigate the validity and reliability of the Greek Impact of Vision Impairment Questionnaire (IVI) and to explore the predictors of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). About 191 patients completed the IVI and the SF-12 Health Survey, and were assessed on visual exams. A random group of 20 participants completed the IVI twice with a 2 weeks interval, to assess test-retest reliability. About 102 patients completed the IVI 1 year later in a follow-up examination. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate response category functioning, scale precision, unidimensionality, scale targeting and differential item functioning. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses identified predictors of VRQoL. Test-retest reliability of IVI items was calculated from 0.86 to 0.98. The six response categories were merged into four to figure out disordered thresholds. Rasch analysis concluded in three scales: Mobility and Independence, Reading and Accessing Information, and Emotional Wellbeing. Regarding convergent validity, the IVI scores had significant associations with SF-12 components (ρ = 0.28-0.47) and measurements of visual acuity (ρ = 0.39-0.66). Worse VRQoL at 1 year follow-up was correlated with decline in distance and near VA. Distance VA and the SF-12 components were common predictors for all three subscales. The duration of disease was a significant predictor for the emotional subscale. The Greek IVI was found to assess AMD patients' perceptions of VRQoL in a valid, reliable and responsive to eyesight manner. VRQoL was mainly established by patients' distance VA and mental health.

Trends in and Predictors of Depression Among Participants in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS)

To characterize longitudinal trends and factors predictive of depressive symptoms following glaucoma diagnosis in Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS) participants. Cohort study using follow-up data from a clinical trial. A total of 607 participants with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma were enrolled at 14 clinical centers in the United States from October 1993 through April 1997, randomized to treatment with medication or surgery, and followed every 6months through 2004. The 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered at baseline and follow-up visits. Three outcome measures were investigated: overall CES-D depression score, presence of mild or worse depression (CES-D score ≥ 7), and number of depressive symptoms endorsed. The average baseline CES-D score was 2.4 (SD= 3.8), 12.5% of subjects reported symptoms associated with mild or worse depression, and 55.3% reported at least 1 depressive symptom. By 1 year posttreatment, depression measures decreased (1.5, 6.7%, and 38.4%, respectively), with modest decreases thereafter. Baseline factors predictive of mild or worse depression included worse vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) (odds ratio [OR]= 2.41), female sex (OR= 1.42), younger age (OR per 10 years younger= 1.24), and less than high school education (OR= 2.93); other outcomes showed similar results. Depressive symptoms decreased considerably during the first year after treatment initiation, but were elevated in those with impaired VRQOL. Given the potential of depression to reduce treatment adherence and thus increase the risk of glaucoma progression, eye care providers should ask patients about depressive symptoms, provide reassurance when appropriate, and make referrals as necessary.

Macular Damage, as Determined by Structure-Function Staging, Is Associated With Worse Vision-related Quality of Life in Early Glaucoma

Macular damage is common early in glaucoma and has previously been identified as a significant factor affecting vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) across the spectrum of glaucomatous damage. This report uses structure-function correlation to identify early macular damage and assess its relationship with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). Cohort study. Setting: Institutional. Eighty-eight eyes of 44 participants with early open-angle glaucoma (24-2 mean deviation [MD] better than-6 dB). Focal and diffuse macular defects were identified based on corresponding abnormal regions on probability maps from spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) optic disc and macular cube scans, and 10-2 and 24-2 visual fields (VF). VRQoL, as measured by the NEI VFQ-25. Twenty-five of 44 (57%) "worse" eyes (defined by 24-2 VF MD) and 13 of 44 (31%) "better" eyes had macular damage. Mean (±standard deviation) MD of worse and better eyes were-3.03 dB (±2.3) and-1.15 dB (±1.7), respectively. Compared to those without macular damage, lower NEI VFQ-25 scores were seen in patients with macular damage in the worse eye (85.4 [± 9.0] vs 94.6 [± 3.3]; P= .0001) and the better eye (84.8 [± 11.1] vs 91.3 [± 6.3]; P= .017). Arcuate damage outside the macula did not affect VRQoL (better eye, P= .40; worse eye, P= .87). Early glaucomatous macular damage, as detected by abnormal topographic regions on measures of structure and function, is associated with decreased VRQoL. Arcuate damage outside the macula does not have an association with VRQoL in early glaucoma.

Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Non-infectious Uveitis: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: To analyze the influence of socio-demographic, comorbidity, and clinical-related variables in the vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) of non-infectious uveitis patients.Methods: Cross-sectional study includes 156 consecutive non-infectious uveitis patients from a tertiary uveitis clinic from Madrid (Spain). The main outcome was the log-transformed composite score of the Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25. Bivariate and multivariate ordinary least-squares regression models were performed and results expressed using effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).Results: In the multivariate analysis, one unit increase in the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution scale [i.e., worse best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)] was associated with a seven times worse VR-QoL (a 0.14-fold change [95% CI: 0.07–0.27]). Patients with ocular comorbidities had a 64% worse VR-QoL (a 0.61-fold change [95% CI: 0.49–0.77]).Conclusions: Lower BCVA and the presence of ocular comorbidities had a significant, independent, and deleterious effect in the VR-QoL of non-infectious uveitis patients.

Visual Field Loss, Quality of Life and Ocular Biometric Parameters: A Cross Sectional Study of Taiwanese Adults

Purpose: To evaluate the severity of visual field loss in Taiwanese adults and assess the associations between visual field loss detected by frequency doubling technology (FDT) perimetry and vision-related quality of life (QoL) in Taiwanese adults. Methods: A total of 206 eyes from 206 subjects were included. Each subject was examined using FDT (N-30 threshold test) perimetry, optical coherence tomography (OCT), noncontact tonometry, cycloplegic refractometry, and National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 items (NEI VFQ-25). Results of FDT tests were classified into four groups (normal, early, moderate, and severe defects) using FDT probability map analysis. OCT parameters included central cornea thickness (CCT), thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), focal loss volume (FLV), and global loss volume (GLV) of GCC. The global score, subscales of near and distance activities of VFQ were calculated. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with visual field loss. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was used to examine the relationship between FDT results and vision-related QoL. Results: Among the 206 subjects, 72 were normal. The numbers of participants having early, moderate, and severe visual field loss were 101, 27, and 6. Moderate visual field defect was associated with CCT, GLV, GCC, and SE when compared to the subjects with normal response. Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicated that those with moderate visual field loss determined by FDT had worse vision related QoL and more difficulties in distance activities of VFQ (p=0.01) than people with normal response. Conclusion: Moderate visual field loss detected by FDT was associated with vision-related QoL in young adults. Further study is warranted to determine the potential of visual field loss as a predicting factor for vision loss related QoL.

Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate vision-related quality of life in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study. Methods: The interviewer-administered National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) was used in 30 adult consecutive patients with chronic CSCR patients. The controls were 30 gender- and age-matched people with normal visual function who came from the same socioeconomic and educational background as the participants. Results: Patients with CSCR had statistically significant lower scores than controls for all the subscales, except for general health. In the study group, all subscale scores of vision-related quality of life, except general health, showed statistically significant negative correlations with the visual acuity. Conclusions: People with CSCR have worse vision-related quality of life than people without the condition.

Association Between Rates of Binocular Visual Field Loss and Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Glaucoma

It is reasonable to hypothesize that for 2 patients with similar degrees of integrated binocular visual field (BVF) loss, the patient with a history of faster disease progression will report worse vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) than the patient with slowly progressing damage. However, to our knowledge, this hypothesis has not been investigated in the literature. To evaluate the association between binocular rates of visual field change and VRQOL in patients with glaucoma. DESIGN Observational cohort study. Patients were recruited from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study and the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study. The study included 796 eyes of 398 patients with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma followed up from October 1, 1998, until January 31, 2012, for a mean (SD) of 7.3 (2.0) years. The VRQOL was evaluated using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) at the last follow-up visit. The NEI VFQ-25 was completed for all patients during the period extending from December 1, 2009, through January 31, 2012. Integrated BVFs were calculated from the monocular fields of each patient. Linear regression of mean deviation values was used to evaluate rates of BVF change during the follow-up period. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between abnormal VRQOL and rates of BVF change, while adjusting for potentially confounding socioeconomic and demographic variables. Thirty-two patients (8.0%) had abnormal VRQOL as determined by the results of the NEI VFQ-25. Patients with abnormal VRQOL had significantly faster rates of BVF change than those with normal VRQOL (-0.18 vs -0.06 dB/y; P < .001). Rates of BVF change were significantly associated with abnormality in VRQOL (odds ratio = 1.31 per 0.1 dB/y faster; P = .04), after adjustment for confounding variables. Patients with faster rates of BVF change were at higher risk of reporting abnormal VRQOL. Assessment of rates of BVF change may provide useful information in determining risk of functional impairment in glaucoma.

Quality of Life Assessment in Ocular Toxoplasmosis in a Colombian Population

Objective: To assess the quality of life in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis.Methods: The participants were 29 otherwise healthy patients with retinochoroidal lesions consistent with Toxoplasma infection. The controls were 29 gender and age-matched people with normal visual function who came from the same socioeconomic and educational background as the participants. The authors used the version of the National Eye Institute 25-item visual function questionnaire (NEI VFQ25).Results: Patients with ocular toxoplasmosis had statistically significant lower scores than controls for all the subscales, except for color vision. Patients with bilateral lesions were more affected in the mental health, difficulties role, and specific vision subscales. The median of the compound score for the participants was 79 (range 35–99) and for the controls was 95 (range 72–98).Conclusions: People with ocular toxoplasmosis have worse vision-related quality of life than people without the condition, especially if they have bilateral lesions and more recurrences.

Impact de la dégénérescence maculaire néovasculaire : données françaises

To assess the impact of bilateral neovascular age-related macula degeneration (NV-AMD) on function and health resource utilization (HRU) in France. Cross-sectional study including 401 NV-AMD patients and 471 controls conducted in five countries in 2006. In both groups, demographic and clinical data were collected and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), the EuroQoL (EQ-5D), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and questionnaires on HRU were administered. Eighty-seven NV-AMD patients and 92 controls were recruited in France. The mean age of the NV-AMD patients was 79 (range, 65-95), and 64% were female. After adjusting for age, gender, and co-morbidities, compared to controls, NV-AMD patients reported substantially worse vision-related quality of life on the NEI-VFQ (adjusted mean, 44.4 [36.2-52.7] versus 91.8 [86.2-97.5], p<0.0001). HADS anxiety and depression scores were significantly worse in NV-AMD patients (anxiety score, 8.5 [6.3-10.8] versus 5.1 [3.5-6.7] p=0.0005; depression score: 7.1 [5.1-9.1] versus 2.9 [1.5-4.4] p<0.0001). Per patient yearly cost analysis showed significantly higher direct medical costs: 3396 euro versus 85 euro (p<0.0001), and indirect nonmedical-related costs (mainly for assistance with activities of daily living): 2985 euro versus 494 euro (p=0.014). NV-AMD patients in France reported substantially worse QoL and more anxiety and depression symptoms. The functional impact of blindness led to significantly higher health resource utilization in the AMD patients, resulting in higher total health costs compared to a similarly aged control group.