Pooled analysis of the ophthalmic visual quality of life questionnaire scale / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

With people's attention and in-depth research on visual quality, many distinctive survey scales have been developed. The use of visual quality questionnaires is a subjective way to evaluate patients' visual quality, an expression of patients' self feelings, and an important part of reflecting visual quality. With objective detection methods, the results are more convincing. Many scales have been introduced into China and have been revised through translation, back translation, and cultural adaptation, playing an indispensable role in the visual quality evaluation system. It is particularly important to assess visual quality through psychological and sociological content, and whether the content can be appropriately combined with the subjective feelings of patients. The core of the visual quality of life survey questionnaire lies in its high repeatability. This article summarizes commonly used visual quality questionnaires, which have been verified in terms of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. The validity of the measurement scale, the consistency of the measurement results, the ability to reflect the smallest meaningful clinical changes after effective medical intervention, and the design characteristics, main application directions, and trends of the scale are listed to provide reference for clinical workers to choose appropriate survey scales.

Patient satisfaction after cataract surgery using visual functioning questionnaire

Background: NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire is widely used to determine different health benefits to patient’s daily activities, social and mental health. The objective of this study was to determine satisfaction of patients undergoing cataract surgery.Methods: After ethical approval, a cross-sectional study using non-probability convenient sampling technique was done. Post-operative cataract patients between 18-75 years of both gender were included and patients reluctant to participate, <18 years of age or above 75 were excluded. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Scoring of NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire was done. Chi-square test was applied between groups of patients with or without glasses using distant and near visual acuities keeping p-value of ≤0.05 as significant.Results: Mean age of 100 patients was 58.56±9.63 years, 78 patients were female housewives. Significant improvements in visual acuities was reported with distant or near vision with or without glasses after cataract surgery (p-value <0.01). Patient’s difficulties in worrying with eye sight, reading newspapers, reading stuff well up close, reading street signs, having issue in visiting others, going out to movies/plays, feeling of accomplishing less, having limited endurance and need for help from others in order to perform visual tasks were associated independently with reduced visual acuity and visual impairment.Conclusions: Cataract surgery significantly improved patients’ visual acuities, daily activities, mental and social health issues. Most patients were satisfied with cataract surgery and had fulfilling improvements to post-operative quality of life.

The impact of primary open-angle glaucoma: Comparison of vision-specific (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25) and disease-specific (Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 and Viswanathan 10) patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments

Purpose: To compare a general vision-specific patient-reported outcomes (PRO) instrument, National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEIVFQ-25) with two disease-specific PRO instruments, Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15), and Viswanathan 10 in patients with varying severity of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: This hospital-based, prospective study enrolled 140 glaucoma patients. The patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma based on visual field defects. All these patients were administered the three PRO instruments and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: All the three instruments showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha for GQL-15, NEIVFQ-25, and Viswanathan 10 were 0.918, 0.937, and 0.929, respectively) There was a statistically significant difference between patients with mild, moderate, and severe POAG with all instruments (P ? 0.001). The instruments correlated well across several parameters especially the peripheral vision and glare/dark adaptation. The disease-specific scales however are simpler and faster to administer. Conclusion: All three instruments were reliable in assessment of mild, moderate, and severe glaucoma. They correlated strongly with each other in most of the related subscales, domains, and questions. NEIVFQ-25 additionally gave information regarding the general, psychological, and social effects of the disease.

The impact of primary open-angle glaucoma: Quality of life in Indian patients

Purpose: Glaucoma significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of a patient. Despite the huge number of glaucoma patients in India, not many, QoL studies have been carried out. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the QoL in Indian patients with varying severity of glaucoma. Methods: This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, analytical study of 180 patients. The QoL was assessed using orally administered QoL instruments comprising of two glaucoma-specific instruments; Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) and Viswanathan 10 instrument, and 1 vision-specific instrument; National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEIVFQ25). Results: Using NEIVFQ25, the difference between mean QoL scores among cases (88.34 ± 4.53) and controls (95.32 ± 5.76) was statistically significant. In GQL-15, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores of cases (22.58 ± 5.23) and controls (16.52 ± 1.24). The difference in mean scores with Viswanathan 10 instrument in cases (7.92 ± 0.54) and controls (9.475 ± 0.505) was also statistically significant. QoL scores also showed moderate correlation with mean deviation, pattern standard deviation, and vertical cup-disc ratio. Conclusion: In our study, all the three instruments showed decrease in QoL in glaucoma patients compared to controls. With the increase in severity of glaucoma, corresponding decrease in QoL was observed. It is important for ophthalmologists to understand about the QoL in glaucoma patients so as to have a more holistic approach to patients and for effective delivery of treatment.

Comparison of Contact Lens Corrected Quality of Vision and Life of Keratoconus and Myopic Patients

PURPOSE: To compare and analyze changes in vision quality, subjective symptoms, and psycho-social satisfaction in keratoconus and myopic patients following the wearing of contact lenses. METHODS: This study enrolled 25 keratoconus and 25 myopic patients with corrected vision over 0.8 according to the Snellen chart due to treatment with contact lenses. Patients were surveyed prior to the wearing of contact lenses, and again after three months of contact lens usage with a questionnaire about quality of vision and life. The changes in visual function, visual symptoms, and psycho-social well-being before and after contact lens usage were analyzed. RESULTS: The keratoconus patients' overall degree of satisfaction was higher than the overall degree of satisfaction of myopic patients, and the motivation for contact lens usage and purpose of contact lens treatment were different in the two groups. Keratoconus patients experienced greater changes in satisfaction, particularly in satisfaction during night activities, short-distance work, and the reading of fine print. Furthermore, they experienced fewer dry eye symptoms but greater foreign body sensations than patients with myopia following treatment with contact lenses. No statistically significant differences in social role functions existed between the two groups. Keratoconus patients had a lower expectation of visual acuity recovery before treatment with contact lenses (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.049) compared to myopic patients, and more anxiety about vision loss following treatment (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p = 0.018) compared to their level of anxiety about vision loss before treatment with contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS: Although the same treatment was applied, keratoconus and myopic patients experienced different types of discomfort and areas of improvement in contact lens corrected vision. Therefore, not only corrected vision, but also subsequent improvement and discomfort outcomes should be considered by patients when choosing contact lens treatment. For patients with mild keratoconus, contact lens treatment may be an efficacious first treatment modality.

Assessment of the Abbreviated National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ 9) in blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis / Avaliação do Questionário Abreviado de Função Visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ 9) em blefaroptose e dermatocálase

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the Abbreviated National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ 9), which is shorter than those previously published, as a tool for assessing vision-related quality of life in patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis. Methods: This is a cohort study of 46 patients who underwent blepharoptosis and/or upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery by a single surgeon (CN) in 2013 in a public, academic, ambulatory care referral center. Patients included 29 who underwent blepharoplasty, 11 who underwent ptosis surgery, and 6 who underwent combined surgery. The NEI-VFQ 9 was administered pre- and postoperatively, and the composite scores were compared using Student's t-test. Survey duration was timed in a subset of patients. The hypothesis was that the NEI VFQ 9 could detect a statistically significant improvement in composite score after surgical intervention. Results: The mean pre- and postoperative NEI VFQ 9 composite scores were 74.9 and 86.8, respectively, in the blepharoplasty-only group (P<0.0001), 72.07 and 86.41, respectively, in the ptosis-only group (P=0.004), and 75.8 and 87.2, respectively, in the combined group (P=0.022). There was no correlation between the gain in composite score and the change in upper eyelid margin to reflex distance. Twenty-five patients were timed filling out the survey, and the mean was 2.3 min. Conclusions: The NEI VFQ 9 consistently demonstrates a significant increase in visual function for blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis patients. Thus, it may be a useful tool for assessing vision-related quality of life in patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o Questionário Abreviado de Função Visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ 9) como uma ferramenta para avaliar a visão relacionada com a qualidade de vida (QoL) em pacientes com blefaroptose e dermatocálase. Método: Estudo de coorte de blefaroptose e dermatocálase pacientes tratados por um único cirurgião (CN) em 2013. O acompanhamento foi de 2-3 meses. Pacientes em um centro de referência acadêmico para a atenção pública ambulatorial com ptose funcional e/ou dermatocálase de pálpebra superior foram avaliados prospectivamente utilizando o NEI-VFQ 9. Quarenta e seis pacientes completaram o estudo: 29 pacientes se submeteram somente à blefaroplastia, 11 apenas à cirurgia de ptose, e 6 pacientes à cirurgia combinada. Foram excluídos pacientes com outra cirurgia simultânea da pálpebra. O teste foi repetido em uma visita pós-operatória. A duração teste foi cronometrada em um subgrupo de pacientes. Escores compostos pré e pós-operatórios foram comparados com o teste T de Student. O desfecho principal foi a pontuação composta. Os autores propõem que a NEI VFQ 9 seria capaz de detectar uma melhora estatisticamente significativa na pontuação composta após a intervenção cirúrgica. Resultados: No grupo de blefaroplastia apenas, o NEI VFQ 9 apresentou a média composta de 74,9 e 86,8 no pré e pós-operatório, respectivamente (p<0,0001). Para os pacientes submetidos apenas à cirurgia de ptose, a pontuação média composta foi 72,07 e 86,41, no pré e pós-operatório, respectivamente (p=0,004). No grupo de cirurgias combinadas combinação, a pontuação composta média pré-operatória foi de 75,8, e a pós-operatória foi de 87,2 (p=0,022). Não houve correlação entre o ganho de pontuação composta e a mudança no MRD1. Vinte e cinco pacientes foram cronometrados ao preencher o teste, a média foi de 2,3 minutos. Conclusões: O NEI VFQ 9 demonstra consistentemente um aumento na função visual para pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de blefaroptose e dermatocálase, sendo um instrumento de pesquisa mais curto do que daqueles publicados anteriormente.

Comparison of eye protection methods for corneal abrasion during general anesthesia

BACKGROUND: Corneal abrasion is one of the most common ophthalmic complications that occurs after general anesthesia. Although they can occur by direct contact with surgical drapes or masks, most occur as a result of the drying of the cornea exposed during general anesthesia due to a reduced amount of tear secretions, the loss of light reflex, or the loss of recognition of pain during the procedure. Thus, to prevent corneal abrasions during general anesthesia, proper eye protection is required. METHODS: Seventy-two patients (144 eyes) were divided into four groups as follows: 1) control group: careful manual eye closure; 2) adhesive tape group: a bandage attached over the eyelid; 3) ointment group: eye ointment placed into the eye followed by eye closure; and 4) ointment and tape group: eye ointment placed into the eye followed by a bandage attached over the eyelid, with the patient subjected to both methods for each eye. The National Eye Institute (NEI) scale, conjunctiva hyperemia scale, tear break-up time, and Schmer test were conducted before and after operation. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted between groups regarding the NEI scale, conjunctiva hyperemia scale, tear break-up time, or Schirmer test. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent corneal abrasions in normal patients undergoing general anesthesia, eye taping, eye ointment application, or taping after eye ointment application will not significantly reduce the degree of corneal epithelial damage compared to manual eye closure.

Analysis of vision-related quality of life for neuro-ophthalmology inpatients / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The diseases of neuro-ophthalmology are common,which can influence the quality of patients' life seriously.The 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-39) is an instrument to assess self-reported visual impairment in studies of vision.However,until now,no studies have been performed to specifically assess the vision-related quality of life in persons with diseases of neuro-ophthalmology.Objective To evaluate vision-related quality of life for neuro-ophthalmology inpatients through the NEI VFQ-39,for the better treatment and nursing for them.Methods Ninety-seven neuro-ophthalmology inpatients were scheduled in research from June 1 to September 30,2012,and we collected all the clinical datas and the Chinese version NEI VFQ-39.The NEI VFQ-39 subscale item scores were compared among subgroups divided by monocular or binocular incidence,diseases and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),and correlation analysis of the NEI VFQ-39 scores and BCVA for better-seeing and worse-seeing eyes was performed.Results The mean age of scheduled patients was (36.6±14.4)years,with no difference in gender.The mean composite score of VFQ-39 was 57.36(46.50,73.38),mental health subscale score was lowest [45.00 (35.00,60.00)].In the four eye diseases groups,except for eye pains,degree of dependence,periphery vision,anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) group had lower scores compared with the other three groups,but there were no statistical significances among the four groups (all at P＞0.05).Except for eye pains,patients with monocular incidence had better scores than those with binocular incidence,with statistical significant significances between them(all at P＜0.05).Patients with BCVA in the better-seeing eye ＞ 20/32 had better scores than the other two groups,compared with the BCVA in the better-seeing eye ＜20/200 group,except for overall health and eye pains,cornpared with the 20/200 ≤ BCVA in the better-seeing eye ＜20/23 group,except for eye pains,social activity and color vision,and the rest subscale scores had significant differences among the three groups(all at P＜0.05).NEI VFQ-39 scores had positive correlations with the BCVA for better-seeing and worse-seeing eyes,and had strong correlations with the BCVA for better-seeing.Conclusions Neuro-ophthalmology diseases have serious influences on patients' visual function and quality of life.The quality of life has direct correlation with BCVA,so improving their visual function is helpful to their quality of life.