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

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.