Abstract
Purpose :
Artificial eye users often face significant psychological impact after traumatic loss or surgically necessitated removal of an eye. Although there is growing research interest in artificial eye manufacture and service provision, there is still limited amount of tested research methodology and clinical data. The qualitative component of this feasibility cross-over study, PERSONAL-EYE-S, explored quality of life, personal experiences, and satisfaction with engaging in the research. This was with respect to traditional hand painted and novel digitally printed artificial eyes. These findings should develop the foundations of qualitative methodology and trial data in this growing sphere of research.
Methods :
The qualitative stream had two components in order to build a more comprehensive understanding of the research area. The first was semi-structured interviews with participants and their close contacts, such as a family members, to develop an appreciation of the patient perspective. The second was interviews with a range of healthcare professionals involved in the service provision, which would provide a more holistic view of the service. Transcript review was performed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results :
There were twenty two interviews performed: twelve artificial eye users, five close contacts, and five healthcare professionals. Our findings highlight the specific positives and negatives of both digitally-printed and hand-painted eyes. Overall, the key findings were of artificial eyes being preferred when they have an accurate colour match, appear realistic, and are manufactured quickly. The results confirmed that artificial eye users' social and psychological wellbeing is affected often for many years after the eye removal. Finally participation in the current feasibility study patient pathway was well accepted.
Conclusions :
This study builds on the limited qualitative literature investigating artificial eye user experience in relation to their quality of life. Key positive and negative factors associated with digitally-printed and hand-painted artificial eyes were identified. Importantly, additional psychological support is required after the loss of an eye to help with both social and emotional wellbeing.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.