J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2012 Apr;53(4):528-535.

Quality of Life Assessment in Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Han SY
• Bae JH
• Song SJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to assess the relationship between wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and quality of life (QOL).
METHODS
The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 was administered to 27 wet AMD patients under treatment at Kangbuk Samsung hospital ophthalmology clinic. The relationship between wet AMD and QOL was analyzed according to age, visual acuity status and general health status.
RESULTS
Older patients and those with hypertension had significantly lower mean scores for general vision, near vision, distance vision, vision-specific role difficulties and dependency compared to their younger and normotensive counterparts. Patients with cataracts had lower mean scores for general vision and color vision than those without, and patients with unilateral AMD had higher mean scores on the driving subscale of the questionnaire.
CONCLUSIONS
Wet AMD has a substantial impact on patient quality of life. A comprehensive approach is required in managing these patients, including treatment of comorbidities such as cataracts and psychological reassurance.

Keyword

Quality of life; Wet age-related macular degeneration

MeSH Terms

Cataract
Color Vision
Comorbidity
Dependency (Psychology)
Humans
Hypertension
Macular Degeneration
National Eye Institute (U.S.)
Ophthalmology
Quality of Life
Surveys and Questionnaires
Vision, Ocular
Visual Acuity

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