Relationship between Binocular Visual Function and Quality of Life in Bilateral Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of stereopsis and contrast sensitivity on the quality of life and to evaluate the relationship between integrated binocular visual field (IVF) and binocular visual function in bilateral normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. METHODS: Stereopsis and contrast sensitivity tests were performed and compared among 44 NTG patients and 32 normal subjects. The IVF was integrated using the best location method. The correlation between visual function and subscales of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25) was evaluated using univariate linear regression. RESULTS: Stereopsis and contrast sensitivity for the bilateral NTG patients were decreased compared to the normal controls. Stereopsis and contrast sensitivity exhibited a significant correlation with social functions related to vision and color vision among subscales of NEI VFQ-25. IVF mean deviation (MD) and better eye MD showed a significant correlation with stereopsis and contrast sensitivity, while worse eye MD showed no association. CONCLUSIONS: Deterioration of stereopsis and contrast sensitivity in NTG patients affects their quality of life related to social functions and color vision. Both IVF and better eye MDs are correlated with stereopsis and contrast sensitivity in NTG patients.