Vision-Related Quality of Life and Visual Function in Patients undergoing Vitrectomy, Gas tamponade, and Cataract Surgery for Macular Hole
- Shinichi Fukuda,
- Fumiki Okamoto,
- Masashi Yuasa,
- Toshio Kunikata,
- Yoshifumi Okamoto,
- Takahiro Hiraoka,
- Tetsuro Oshika (oshika{at}eye.ac)
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Japan
- University of Tsukuba, Clinical Medicine, Japan
- Published Online First 30 June 2009
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the relation between vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and visual function in patients undergoing vitrectomy, gas tamponade, and cataract surgery for macular hole (MH).
Methods: The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was self-administered by 32 patients with MH (age 66.2 ± 5.4 years) preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Clinical data were collected including logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), severity of metamorphopsia, and letter contrast sensitivity. The severity of metamorphopsia was evaluated by the M-Charts (Inami Co., Tokyo, Japan). Macular hole index was measured using optical coherence tomography. The presence and severity of cataract were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III reference standards. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between various explanatory variables and VFQ-25 questionnaire scores. Explanatory variables tested were the severity of metamorphopsia, visual acuity, letter contrast sensitivity, macular hole index, and grade of cataract.
Results: Vitrectomy for MH significantly improved VFQ-25 composite score as well as subscale scores such as general vision, near activities, distance activities, social functioning, mental health, and dependency (p<0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Multiple regression analysis revealed that, both preoperatively and postoperatively, the severity of metamorphopsia had a significant correlation with VFQ-25 composite score (p<0.05), whereas other explanatory variable did not. Also, changes in the severity of metamorphopsia was the single variable that was significantly relevant to changes in VFQ-25 composite score (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Vitrectomy for MH significantly improved VR-QOL. The severity of metamorphopsia was significantly associated with both preoperative and postoperative VR-QOL.
