Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine which factors were of most importance to patients with glaucoma in their management and treatment using a conjoint analysis approach. Methods:46 patients were interviewed from one consultants glaucoma clinic. The interview consisted of recording demographic data, the Visual Function Questionnaire–25 and arranging hypothetical patient scenarios to the patient’s preference. The hypothetical scenarios included statements regarding risk of moderate visual loss, which in this study indicated an inability to drive due to visual field defects, use of topical medication, use of glaucoma surgery, risk of post–operative complications and long–term risk of blindness. Results: Conjoint analysis was performed using SPSS. The risk of moderate visual impairment had an importance of 43%. The risk of blindness had an importance of 26%. The use of topical medication had an importance of 9%. Proceeding to trabeculectomy had an importance of 15% and the small risk of visual deterioration following trabeculectomy had an importance of 8% Conclusions: Patients feel the most important factors regarding glaucoma and its treatment are risk of moderate visual loss and long–term blindness. Treatment methods are of much less importance.
Keywords: quality of life • visual fields • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications