Patients' experience of living with glaucoma: a phenomenological study

To explore the life experiences of those living with glaucoma and describe their strategies to deal with the consequences of this disorder.

Glaucoma, the second most common cause of worldwide blindness, often imposes limitations on the daily functions of its victims, thus resulting in a decline in their quality of life and high costs in healthcare.

A hermeneutical phenomenological research approach was adopted. Fourteen people with glaucoma were selected for in-depth interviews, and another ten were interviewed in two focus groups. Participants were recruited from a specialized eye hospital in Shanghai. The data were collected from July to September 2009. An interpretive analysis of the data was performed.

The core theme was identified while interpreting the data on the patients' life experiences as 'learning to living with glaucoma' by one of our participants. The meaning of this is demonstrated in four interwoven themes: (1) seeking support; (2) coping with everyday tasks; (3) living with future uncertainties; and (4) adapting to the declined quality of life.

This paper provides an insight into the living experiences of the patients with glaucoma using 1-on-1 and focus-group interviews, suggesting that the latter can also offer a means of phenomenological inquiry. We found that those with glaucoma can experience uncertainty surrounding treatment, illness prognosis and family members' risk status. In addition, the Chinese culture can influence the patients' strategies of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In helping those with glaucoma considerations should be taken towards the feelings of future uncertainty that may develop.