[Patient reported outcomes. Relevance and application in ophthalmology]

The use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) - standardized assessments by the patient of the impact of illness or therapy - has been met with increasing interest over the last years. Evidence generated from PROs is used not only to support claims in the drug regulatory process but is also used in political decision making and activities by the pharmaceutical industry. PROs can reflect the benefits of a treatment very well because the patient's quality of life is a central variable, and its preservation or improvement is certainly the main objective of any therapeutic intervention. The routine use of PROs is still hampered by several methodological problems. However, there are a number of advantages, such as improved interaction between physicians and patients and shared decision making, that may result in increased compliance.