Study of vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in individuals with visual impairment at a teaching institution of North India.

Abstract

Eyesight/vision is important of all five senses as it accounts for about 80% of the function of all the senses combined. Hence, visual impairment leads to a restriction in all areas of life and, in particular, VRQOL by reducing activities associated with participation in society and religion, mobility, recreation, daily living, and intense visual tasks. An institution-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from March 2024 to June 2024 involving 210 participants. NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire was explained in their vernacular language by the interviewer. The scoring was given according to validated scoring algorithm for the questionnaire. The overall mean VRQOL score was low (52.1 ± 16.4) and the poor VRQOL was significantly associated with blindness. The subscale score was highest for colour vision (78.3 ± 22.1), followed by ocular pain (66.8 ± 23.4). The QOL was worst in the near activities subscale (37.2 ± 22.5) and general vision (38.6 ± 12.9). VRQOL was significantly associated with age and level of education. The association between VRQOL and gender, area of residence, status of employment, cause of visual impairment, and systemic comorbidities was statically insignificant in our study. Older age people and those with lower levels of literacy have significantly affected VRQOL. The common causes of visual impairment, such as cataract, are avoidable causes and can be treated to improve the VRQOL. The eye care professionals should assess the VRQOL in almost all patients besides visual acuity so that early intervention can be planned to improve the overall quality of life.