Vision-related quality of life in corneal graft recipients

To assess the vision-related quality of life of corneal transplant recipients using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25), and to identify the socio-demographic factors that associate with patients' self-assessment of perceived visual function.

Thirty patients who received corneal transplants were included in this prospective observational, cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic and clinical data, including age, sex, systemic health status, employment status, visual acuity, reason of corneal transplantation, laterality of corneal graft, and follow-up period were collected. NEI VFQ-25 was scored using Rasch analysis. Subgroup analyses were also performed.

Age, sex, visual acuity, and health status had no significant correlation or association with the Rasch-transformed score. Patients who received bilateral corneal grafts were significantly less able socioemotionally than those with unilateral graft. Patients who became unemployed or retired after transplantation were also significantly less able in both visual functioning and socioemotional status.

Corneal transplant recipients had a decreased vision-related quality of life as demonstrated by the NEI VFQ-25. Apart from anatomical success and visual acuity, ophthalmologists should also consider other aspects of visual outcome. In particular, those who received bilateral grafts require more attention. Employment programmes should be part of corneal transplantation rehabilitation planning.