Abstract
Purpose: :
Treatment success of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Age–Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is determined anatomically by cessation of leakage, while functional success is predominantly determined by visual acuity loss of three lines or less. These definitions may be reasonable for an eye–care professional, however, patients undergoing this procedure may have different expectations. The present study explored both ophthalmologists' and patients' satisfaction with PDT treatment.
Methods: :
Fifteen participants (51–91 years, visual acuity 20/30–20/900) were recruited following one or more PDT treatments. Objective tests of visual function (ETDRS, Spatial Contrast Sensitivity, Face Acuity) and subjective assessment of visual abilities (VF–14) were conducted. Additionally, questionnaire measures of patient and ophthalmologist perception of treatment outcome were administered.
Results: :
Pearson’s correlations evaluated relationships among all variables. The eye–care professional's interpretation of treatment outcome was not correlated with patients' overall treatment satisfaction, r = .04. Ophthalmologists' perception of treatment outcome was significantly correlated with ETDRS , r = .64, p<.05. Patient's perception of treatment outcome was not significantly correlated with any objective measures. However, patients' overall satisfaction with treatment was related to the subjective questionnaire assessment of visual function (VF–14), r = .55, p<.05.
Conclusions: :
Ophthalmologist perception of PDT treatment outcome is unrelated to patient satisfaction. While an objective test such as visual acuity (ETDRS) may provide an indication of the ophthalmologist’s perception of successful outcome, this is not representative of patients’ satisfaction with treatment. Visual function tests thought to represent patient satisfaction more accurately as compared to visual acuity (such as Spatial Contrast Sensitivity and Face Acuity) were also unrelated. However, the subjective questionnaire of visual function (VF–14) was correlated with patients' overall satisfaction.
Keywords: photodynamic therapy • visual acuity • quality of life