Vision-related Quality of Life in Glaucoma Suspect or Early Glaucoma Patients

Abstract

Purpose To determine the association of vision-related quality of life to demographic factors and visual function in glaucoma suspect or early glaucoma patients.. Methods We administered the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) on the same day as a comprehensive ocular examination to participants either with glaucoma or at high risk for developing glaucoma. Regression models were used to determine the association between VFQ-25 composite and subscale scores, VF status, logMAR equivalent VA, age and gender. In all analyses we used data from the eye with the best Mean Deviation (MD), best Pattern Standard Deviation (PSD) and best VA. Results Data from 198 participants were analyzed. The mean best MD (± standard deviation) was 0.02 ±1.52dB (range; −5.11 to 2.63) and the mean best PSD was 1.75 ±1.03dB (range; 0.91 to 8.36). The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 91.6 ±6.7 (range; 54.5 to 100.0). Composite score, and the distance activities and color vision subscale scores were associated with best MD (p≤0.05). The general vision and driving subscale scores were associated with best VA (p≤0.03). The composite score and the distance activities, driving and color vision subscale scores were associated with age (p≤0.05). Finally, the distance activities, driving and peripheral vision subscale scores were associated with gender (p≤0.04). Conclusions Vision-related quality of life is associated with visual field status even in early and suspected glaucoma. It is also associated with VA, age and gender. Particular decreases in quality of life are related to distance activities, driving and color vision.

Factors influencing vision‐related quality of life according to glaucoma severity

“…; Alqudah et al. ) indicating that the better eye has a greater influence on VRQOL than the worse eye. However, other studies (Wren et al.…”

“…In patients suspected to have glaucoma or early glaucoma (MD > − 2 dB), VF status was strongly associated with VRQOL (Alqudah et al. ). This finding indicates that widespread and generalized reduction in VF sensitivity is an important aspect of VRQOL.…”

Estimating patient‐reported outcomes for glaucoma management: A cross‐sectional study

“…6 Vertical C/D ratio between 0.7 and 0.85, and/or moderate visual field defect not within 10 degrees of fixation, MD from -6 dB to -12 dB. 7 Vertical C/D ratio of > 0.9, and/or visual field defect within 10 degrees of fixation, MD worse than-12 dB.…”

“…Thus, to effectively treat and manage glaucoma, a comprehensive understanding of the QoL of the patient, beyond clinical symptoms of the eye, is required. In recent years, the need to understand the fundamental disease processes, appreciate individual differences, and preserve high level of visual function while improving the quality of care has induced tremendous interest in studying PROs among glaucoma patients . PROs are fundamental to involving patients in their decision‐making process and for permitting an understanding of patient experiences, as we move from a “disease‐based” to “patient‐centered” model of care .…”

“…In recent years, the need to understand the fundamental disease processes, appreciate individual differences, and preserve high level of visual function while improving the quality of care has induced tremendous interest in studying PROs among glaucoma patients. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] PROs are fundamental to involving patients in their decision-making process and for permitting an understanding of patient experiences, as we move from a "disease-based" to "patientcentered" model of care. 3,5 This allows for patients to be more involved in their care, avoid over-treatment, understand disease progression, improve their overall health, and reduce avoidable health care costs.…”