Impacts of Impaired Vision and Eye Diseases on Vision-Related Quality of Life in Indonesia
Abstract: To determine the
impacts of visual impairment and eye diseases on vision-related quality of life
(QoL) in populations with severe visual impairment (SVI) and blindness in
Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 134 respondents
from, 5 different provinces, simultaneously with a validation study using data
from the 2013 National Basic Health Survey. Participants aged ≥18 years with
visual acuity of <6/60 underwent an ocular examination and guided interview.
The impact of vision impairment related to their QoL was assessed using the
NEI-VFQ 25 questionnaire. The scores were then compared between participants
with blindness (<3/60) and participants with SVI (> 3/60 to < 5/60),
and the causes of visual impairment. Results: Severe visual impairment and
blindness were mostly found in productive aged females with lower education and
income levels, and cataracts were the leading cause. Vision-related quality of
life was lower in the blind group compared to the SVI group (p = 0.001). The
impacts of visual impairment related mostly to distance activities (p = 0.007),
social functions, and near activities (p = 0.002). NEI-VFQ 25 scores were lower
in glaucoma respondents than cataract respondents. Conclusions: Results suggest
that subjects with blindness had a lower total QoL score than those with SVI,
in addition to the subscale scores. Furthermore, glaucoma disease had the
lowest QoL score.
Keywords: impact vision,
quality of life, NEI-VFQ 25, severe visual impairment, blindness, ocular
morbidity
Author: Widya Artini, Widya
Artini, Tjahjono D Gondhowiarjo, Tri Rahayu, Yeni D Lestari
Journal code: jpkedokterangg170255
