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

Abstract

Purpose: 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). Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Disease burden of age-related macular degeneration in China from 1990 to 2019: findings from the global burden of disease study

“…In recent years, an increasing number of epidemiological studies of AMD have been conducted [ 10 - 14 ], most of which focused on the incidence and distribution of AMD. The estimates were, however, contingent upon the characteristics of individual studies: the age structure of the study sample, case definition, geographic factors and classification of AMD.…”

Change in physical and mental health due to aging: future perspective

“…These changes occur as a result of the natural process of aging [41]. Age-related macular degeneration has a major negative influence on quality of life due to vision impairment [42]. Structural alterations in the eye lead to impairments in near and distant vision, and these impairments are caused by age-related macular degeneration [43].…”

Association between structural and functional treatment outcomes in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration

“…Treatment of neovascular AMD with anti‐VEGF injections remains a major challenge in everyday clinical practice because of the high prevalence of disease, its chronic character and the constant need for retreatment (Brown et al, 2016; Cruess et al, 2007). Neovascular AMD has devastating consequences to the patient and is closely linked to reduced quality of life (Marakis et al, 2020). Therefore, it is important to optimize the administration of treatment.…”

“…character and constant need for retreatment (Brown et al, 2016;Cruess et al, 2007). Neovascular AMD has devastating consequences to the patient and is closely linked to reduced quality of life (Marakis et al, 2020). Therefore, it is important to optimize the administration of treatment.…”