Vision-Related Quality of Life after Corneal Transplantation

To determine the vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) and its dimensions in corneal transplant recipients.

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, satisfaction questionnaire, and Persian version of the 39-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 39).

The composite score of VR-QoL in corneal transplant recipients was 54.39 ± 9.22 (32.9-71.01). The highest mean score among subscales was related to color vision (74.75 ± 27.63) and the lowest related to dependency (31.06 ± 31.02). The results showed that there is a reverse correlation between VR-QoL with both age (r = -0.364; P < 0.001) and the numbers of years after the transplantation (r = -0.362; P < 0.001). However, there was a correlation between satisfaction and VR-QoL (r = 0.679; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the results showed that there is a significant difference in VR-QoL between men and women (P < 0.001) and also a significant difference in VR-QoL between unilateral and bilateral graft recipients (P < 0.001).

The corneal transplant has the highest impact on color vision and the lowest on dependency. Moreover, the results of this study provide a comprehensive picture for the state of vision and overall health status of patients for health-care providers to enhance the patient care.