Abstract
Purpose::
To evaluate vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and visual function following vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25)
Methods::
VFQ-25 was self-administered by 55 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (age 57.0 ± 11.4 years, mean ± SD) before and 3 months after vitrectomy. Clinical data were collected including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and metamorphopsia. VFQ-25 was also administered to 80 age-matched normal controls.
Results::
VFQ-25 composite score in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy was significantly lower than that in normal controls (p <0.0001). All subscales except for ocular pain were also deteriorated in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (p <0.0001). Preoperative VFQ-25 composite score was significantly correlated with preoperative logMAR best corrected visual acuity in better eye (r=-0.406, p<0.01) and letter contrast sensitivity in better eye (r=0.367, p<0.05). VFQ-25 composite score as well as general vision, near vision, social functioning, mental health, driving, and peripheral vision significantly improved after surgery (p <0.05). However, VFQ-25 composite score and all subscales except for ocular pain after surgery were significantly lower than those in normal controls (p <0.0001).
Conclusions::
The current study quantitatively indicates that VR-QOL in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy is significantly compromised, which seems dependent on visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in better eyes. Vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy improved VR-QOL.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • quality of life