Purpose
To evaluate the demographic profile, levels of health and welfare as well as the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with visual impairment and/or blindness secondary to uveitis
Methods
In a descriptive study, 25 patients were enrolled by a database review from the Uveitis Service of the Dept. of Ophthalmology (UNIFESP). All patients were diagnosed as having visual impairment secondary to uveitis (infectious or non-infectious) and visual acuity < 20/70 in the better eye. The visual acuity were classified according to WHO`s guidelines as blindness or low-vision. Patients' charts were reviewed for eligibility criteria and data collection. The eligible patients were contacted by phone and invited to participate in the survey. After signing an informed consent form all patients were interviewed. Three questionnaires were administered: a study questionnaire, the SF-12v2 Health Survey and HADS - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results
Twenty five patients were interviewed, 56% female, the mean age was 48 years (age range 26-66), the race distribution was 52% white, 44% black and 4% asian. Thirty two percent had primary education, 56% had secondary education and 12% had tertiary education. Sixty percent had the familiar income between R$1.000,00- R$ 3.000,00 and, 68% were early retired or unemployed. The visual impairment classified as 24% bilateral blindness, 32% bilateral low vision and 44% blindness in one eye and low vision in the fellow eye. The HADS questionnaires showed the following scores for anxiety and depression respectively, 44%;48% normal , 20%;36% mild, 24%;16% moderate and 12%;0% severe . All domains of SF-12v2 were below the average of general population, the physical and mental component summary (PCS-MCS) was 42,65 and 43,05 respectively. Forty percent of our sample is at risk of first stage of positive depression. Considering the PCS score 72% of our sample is below the general population and considering MCS score, 52% of our sample is below of the general population.
Conclusions
The results show a young population visual impaired, early retired or unemployed. The most of them showing levels of depression and anxiety, as well as, the physical, mental and emotional health scores below the general population. Visual impairment and blindness secondary to uveitis is a very common complication and affects quality of life as well as psycho-social aspects
Keywords: 754 visual acuity •
746 uveitis-clinical/animal model