Visual outcome and impact on quality of life after surgeries differ in children operated for unilateral and bilateral cataract (Pune study 2011)

Abstract

Background:We compared vision and quality of life (VQL) of children aged 5-15 years and operated for unilateral and bilateral cataract between 2008 and 2010 in western India.Materials and Methods:In this cohort study, ophthalmologists assessed vision, anterior and posterior segment of eyes with cataract. Children completed a functional vision questionnaire (LVP-FVQ). Follow up at 6 months after surgery included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), FVQ and eye assessment. The improvement of BCVA and quality of life were compared in group of unilateral and bilateral cataract.Result:A total of 20 (70%) bilateral and 7 (39%) unilateral cataract were operated within 1 month of detection. All 48 eyes with bilateral cataract were congenital and 12 (67%) unilateral cataract were traumatic. Among bilateral group, 27 eyes [56.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 44.4-72.2)] and in unilateral group 11 eyes [61.1% (95% CI 38.6-83.6)] had vision ≥ 20/60 at 6 months follow up. The visual gain was significantly higher in children who were operated between 1 month and 1 year of detection (adjusted Odds ratio (OR) = 15.6 P = 0.03). Positive impact on VQL in bilateral group was noted in 50%, 27%, and 13% children for subscale of distant vision, near vision, and field of vision, respectively. There was positive impact in these subscales among children with unilateral cataract. Thirty percent eyes with bilateral cataract and 22% of eyes with unilateral cataract improved their vision. Surgery within 1 month of cataract was significant predictor of improved vision (OR = 16.6 P = 0.02).Conclusion:Vision and VQL improved in children with unilateral and bilateral cataract. However, it was better 6 months following surgery in children with bilateral cataract than in children with unilateral cataract.

Evaluation of functional vision and eye-related quality of life in children with congenital ectopia lentis: a prospective cross-sectional study

“…Prasad-Functional Vision Questionnaire can also serve as a valid measure of self-reported functional vision performance for visually impaired children. [15][16][17] However, these questionnaires were specifically designed for children with vision impairment but not for other eye conditions. Reduced quality of life (QOL) was found among children with different ophthalmic disorders using the PedsQL (Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory), [18][19][20] a generic questionnaire that systematically assesses the health-related QOL (HRQOL) of paediatric patients with chronic conditions, 21 but the PedsQL is reported to be less sensitive to the concerns of children with eye diseases compared with newer eye-specific questionnaires.…”

“…Khadka et al developed the Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children to assess self-reported visual ability in children and young people with visual impairment 14. The LV Prasad-Functional Vision Questionnaire can also serve as a valid measure of self-reported functional vision performance for visually impaired children 15–17. However, these questionnaires were specifically designed for children with vision impairment but not for other eye conditions.…”