DIGS and ADAGES: Relationship Between Rates of Binocular Visual Field Loss and Vision-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma

Abstract

 

Purpose

 

To evaluate the relationship between binocular rates of visual field change and vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in glaucoma.

 

Methods

 

The study included 796 eyes of 398 participants that had diagnosed or suspected glaucoma followed for an average of 7.3 ± 2.0 years. Subjects were recruited from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) and the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES). VRQOL was evaluated using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) at the last follow-up visit. Integrated binocular visual fields (BVF) were calculated from the monocular fields of each patient. Linear regression of mean deviation (MD) values was used to evaluate rates of visual field change during the follow-up period. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between abnormal VRQOL and rates of visual field change, while adjusting for potentially confounding socio-economic and demographic variables.

 

Results

 

Thirty-two patients (8.0%) had abnormal VRQOL as determined by the results of the NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire. Subjects with abnormal VRQOL had significantly faster rates of BVF change than those with normal VRQOL (-0.18 db/year vs. -0.06 dB/year, respectively; P < 0.001). Rates of BVF change were significantly associated with abnormality in VRQOL (OR = 1.31 per 0.1dB/year faster; P = 0.038), after adjustment for confounding variables.

 

Conclusions

 

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.

 

Keywords: 434 binocular vision/stereopsis • 669 quality of life • 760 visual search