Survey on vision-related quality of life and self-management among patients with glaucoma

The aim of the study was to investigate the vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients and identify the possible predictors for outcomes.

A total sample of 167 subjects with glaucoma was recruited using a convenience sampling strategy. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) and the Glaucoma Self-Management Questionnaire were used for assessing vision-related quality of life and self-management behavior, respectively. The demographic and disease-related data were also collected.

Regarding the vision-related quality of life, the lowest scores were for general health (32.78±23.59), followed by general vision (46.35±19.52). The highest score was for the dimension of color vision (89.02±20.76). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that self-management behavior, positive glaucoma family history, and binocular visual acuity were predictors of vision-related quality of life in this patient group.

The current study indicates that vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients is at a moderate level in China. Self-management behavior is an important predictor. Demographic data may not increase the explanatory effect. Future research should focus on how to integrate self-management skills into routine nursing practice for patients with glaucoma.