A Vision Related Quality of Life Instrument for Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-associated Uveitis

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

Quality of life (QOL) studies in JIA-associated uveitis (JIA-U)focus on visual acuity (VA) and the ocular exam. However, theydo not measure the impact of visual impairment (VI) on dailylife. The assessment of vision related QOL (VRQOL) could improveby the use of a vision-specific instrument to complement currentmeasures of VI. Hence, we developed a tool to evaluate the performanceof activities that rely on vision- Effects of Youngsters’Eyesight on QOL (EYE-Q).

 

Methods:

 

We conducted initial studies of validity. We then recruited120 children, 8-18 years, with various (or no) ocular diseases.We measured VA and contrast sensitivity. Patient-based questionnaireswere administered- the EYE-Q, and the Pediatric Quality of LifeInventory (PedsQL) to determine overall QOL. The EYE-Q was alsocompleted after 10 days. Pearson’s correlation and ANOVAdetermined associations between the measures and VI and VA.

 

Results:

 

Of 120 patients, 48% were female, 61% were white, 32% were black,and 89% had eye disease (bilateral 52%). Mean age was 11.3 years.Mean scores of the EYE-Q varied significantly by VI (Table 1).There were significant associations between EYE-Q and measuresof validity and reliability, but none between PedsQL and VA(Table 2).

 

Conclusions:

 

Our study supports the validity and reliability of the EYE-Qin the measurement of VRQOL. The EYE-Q may be an important toolin the assessment of VRQOL in JIA-U and complement currentlyused measures. Studies in JIA-U should include all componentsof disability.  

 

 

Keywords: uveitis-clinical/animal model • quality of life • clinical research methodology