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Patient Reported Outcomes in Microbial Keratitis
Megan M Tuohy1, Leslie M Niziol1, Shazhad I Mian1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Cornea
|June 3, 2020
Summary
Patients with microbial keratitis (MK) requiring corneal transplants report significantly worse visual function. This finding is crucial for patient counseling regarding visual outcomes in MK management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Diseases
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
Background:
- Microbial keratitis (MK) is a serious eye infection that can lead to significant vision impairment.
- Assessing patient-reported outcomes is vital for understanding the functional impact of eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare patient-reported visual function in individuals with microbial keratitis (MK) using the National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-9).
- To identify differences in visual functioning across various stages and treatments of MK, including those requiring corneal transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative ophthalmology electronic health record repository to identify patients with MK and control groups.
- Administered the 9-item National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-9) to assess visual functioning.
- Compared NEI VFQ-9 composite and individual item scores between MK patient groups (acute, nonacute, corneal transplant) and control groups using analysis of variance.
Main Results:
- A total of 916 questionnaires were analyzed from diverse patient groups.
- Patients with acute MK and those requiring corneal transplants reported significantly lower visual function scores compared to nonacute MK and control groups.
- Nonacute MK patients also demonstrated worse visual function than comprehensive ophthalmology clinic controls.
Conclusions:
- Patients with MK, particularly those who have undergone or require corneal transplantation, experience substantially reduced visual function.
- These findings underscore the importance of visual function assessment in managing MK and guiding patient communication.
- Understanding these differences can aid clinicians in setting realistic expectations for patients undergoing MK treatment and potential corneal transplants.
