Quality of life and visual function in patients with intermediate uveitis

Br J Ophthalmol. 2005 Sep;89(9):1161-5. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2005.067421.

Abstract

Aims: To assess visual function, vision related quality of life (VR-QOL), and general health related quality of life (HR-QOL) in intermediate uveitis (IU).

Methods: VR-QOL and HR-QOL were evaluated in 42 patients with IU using the VCM1 and SF-36 questionnaires, respectively. LogMAR visual acuity (VA), Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity (CS), Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue colour vision (CV), and Estermann visual field (VF) were recorded monocularly and binocularly.

Results: Median (interquartile range) visual acuity (VA) and CS of 72 affected eyes were 0.1 (0.015-0.3) and 1.55 (1.35-1.65), respectively. 9.5% of patients had a VCM1 score of more than 2.0, indicating "more than a little" concern over vision. Worse eye VA (p=0.045) and CS (p=0.042) were predictive of a VCM1 score of more than 2.0 independently of age, sex, uveitis duration, laterality and activity, systemic uveitis therapy, and medical co-morbidity. The physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 were significantly worse in those who reported significant impairment of vision on the VCM1 than those who did not.

Conclusions: The majority of patients with IU maintain good visual function and quality of life. VR-QOL impairment in IU correlates with vision in the worse eye and is associated with impaired HR-QOL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Color Perception
  • Contrast Sensitivity
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*
  • Sickness Impact Profile
  • Uveitis, Intermediate / physiopathology
  • Uveitis, Intermediate / psychology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields