Functional Visual Ability and Quality of Life in Children With Glaucoma

To evaluate the effect of glaucoma and its management on the functional visual ability (FVA) and the vision-related quality of life (VR QoL) in children 8-18 years of age.

Cross-sectional study.

FVA was assessed using the Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC) and VR QoL was assessed using the Impact of Vision Impairment for Children (IVI_C) tool.

Eighty-five children 8-18 years of age were interviewed at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Scores for FVA and VR QoL were decreased in children with glaucoma: median of CVAQC scores, -0.68 (interquartile range [IQR], -1.27 to 0.19; range, -3.00 higher visual ability to +2.80 lower visual ability); IVI_C mean score, 55.3 (standard deviation, 13.0; normal VR QoL, 96). Factors associated with significantly lower FVA and VR QoL included, lower best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P < .0001 for both FVA and VR QoL), bilateral glaucoma (P = .04 for in FVA and P = .009 in VR QoL), and 3 or more glaucoma surgeries (P < .001 for both FVA and VR QoL).

FVA and VR QoL as perceived by children with glaucoma are reduced. Children with lower BCVA, those with bilateral glaucoma, and those who had undergone 3 or more glaucoma surgeries had significantly lower FVA and VR QoL. Improving the QoL with psychosocial involvement and visual rehabilitation by the use of low-vision aids among children with glaucoma should be included in the treatment plan in addition to medical and surgical treatment.