Vision-related quality of life in corneal graft recipients

Abstract

Aims To assess the vision-related quality of life of corneal transplant recipients using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25), and to identify the socio-demographic factors that associate with patients' self-assessment of perceived visual function. Methods Thirty patients who received corneal transplants were included in this prospective observational, cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic and clinical data, including age, sex, systemic health status, employment status, visual acuity, reason of corneal transplantation, laterality of corneal graft, and follow-up period were collected. NEI VFQ-25 was scored using Rasch analysis. Subgroup analyses were also performed. Results Age, sex, visual acuity, and health status had no significant correlation or association with the Rasch-transformed score. Patients who received bilateral corneal grafts were significantly less able socioemotionally than those with unilateral graft. Patients who became unemployed or retired after transplantation were also significantly less able in both visual functioning and socioemotional status. Conclusion Corneal transplant recipients had a decreased vision-related quality of life as demonstrated by the NEI VFQ-25. Apart from anatomical success and visual acuity, ophthalmologists should also consider other aspects of visual outcome. In particular, those who received bilateral grafts require more attention. Employment programmes should be part of corneal transplantation rehabilitation planning.

Vision-Related Quality-of-Life Assessment Using NEI VFQ-25 in Patients After Boston Keratoprosthesis Implantation

“…17,18 NEI VFQ-25 scores for general vision from our study were lower but comparable with scores from a study that included patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus (69.3 vs. 73.6 with at least 1-year follow-up). However, similar to what was found in previous studies, 24 we did not find a correlation between final general vision scores and postoperative VA. Although the quality of life for patients who undergo KPro may be lower, the significant change between preoperative and postoperative measures should be noted.…”

Vision-Related Impact on Quality of Life in an Elderly Patient Population After Corneal Transplantation

“…6,7 From the surgeon's perspective, graft clarity, absence of complications, minimal astigmatism, and improved visual acuity have long been considered standard markers of a successful corneal transplant surgery; however, patients are most interested in their visual function and its impact on their daily life. 3,8 Unfortunately, improved anatomic and clinical outcomes do not always result in a satisfied patient. 8,9 Yildiz et al 10 found that vision-related QOL measures for patients with keratoconus treated with a PKP were discordant with satisfactory visual acuity outcome measures.…”

“…[1][2][3] Fullthickness penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is one of the primary procedures for treating corneal disease. 4,5 There have been multiple improvements and modifications in the surgery over the years resulting in improved patient outcomes.…”

Patient-reported outcome measuring tools in cataract surgery: Clinical comparison at a tertiary hospital

“…We therefore interpret our findings as providing evidence that Catquest-9SF captures changes of visual function at an earlier time after cataract surgery than VF-8R.A study by Shekhawat and colleagues has shown that cataract surgeries could improve patients' socioemotional status. D Changes in socioemotional status have also been reported in cross-sectional studies involving patients undergoing other procedures, such as corneal transplants 24. However, to the best of our knowledge, longitudinal socioemotional changes have not been previously reported in cataract patients.…”

“…In contrast, EQ-5D only showed weak correlation to WEVA at 3 weeks and no correlation to other parameters at any other time points. We found no evidence of association between EQ VAS and any visual function parameters at any time point.DiscussionRoutine use of patient reported outcome measures could help patients and clinicians make better decisions, facilitate comparisons and stimulate improvements in the provision of healthcare 24. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study evaluating different PROM tools in the same cohort of patients as part of routine cataract surgery in the UK NHS.…”