Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the impact of change in visual field on health related quality of life among adults.
Methods: :
Change in visual field (SITA Standard 24-2, Humphrey Field Analyzer) and change in health related quality of life (National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire- 25 [NEI-VFQ25] and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]) were measured at baseline and 4-year follow-up. Analysis of the variance and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the association between change in visual field and quality of life taking into account confounding variables and interactions.
Results: :
Out of 3,175 participants, 48% had a change in visual field (MD < -1 dB or > 1 dB) and 52% had a ≥5 point change in the NEI-VFQ25 composite score. Increasing levels of change in visual field was statistically significantly associated to increased deterioration in the NEI-VFQ25 composite score and in 11/12 subscales (all p-trends <.05). The largest effect was seen on the driving difficulty sub-scale. There was no association with change in visual field and general health related quality of life (both p-trends >.30). The association between change in visual field and vision-specific quality of life was modified by presenting visual acuity impairment at baseline (>20/40) and by change in visual acuity over the 4 year interval (no change, > 2 line improvement, >2 line loss) (both p-interactions < .0001).
Conclusions: :
These results suggest a dose dependent effect of change in visual field loss on vision-specific quality of life. Treating or preventing losses in visual acuity may attenuate the effect of visual field on vision-specific quality of life.
Keywords: quality of life • visual fields • visual acuity