Quality of life and functional vision across pediatric eye conditions assessed using the PedEyeQ

To evaluate eye-related quality of life (ER-QOL) and functional vision across a wide range of pediatric eye conditions, using the Pediatric Eye Questionnaires (PedEyeQ).

A total of 1,037 children with an eye condition and 254 visually normal controls, across 0-4, 5-11, and 12-17 years age groups, completed the following questionnaires: Child PedEyeQ (Functional Vision, Bothered by Eyes/Vision, Social, Frustration/Worry domains), Proxy PedEyeQ (same domains plus Eye Care), and Parent PedEyeQ (Impact on Parent and Family, Worry about Child's Eye Condition, Worry about Child's Self-perception and Interactions, and Worry about Functional Vision domains). The primary eye condition was classified as amblyopia (n = 171), cataract (n = 99), cerebral visual impairment (CVI; n = 50), cornea (n = 20), eyelid (n = 35), glaucoma (n = 24), nystagmus (n = 57), orbital (n = 19), pupil/iris (n = 7), refractive error (n = 119), retina (n = 82), strabismus (n = 332), and uveitis (n = 22).

PedEyeQ domain scores (scaled 0-100) were significantly worse across eye conditions, compared with controls. Child PedEyeQ greatest differences were on the Bothered by Eyes/Vision domain (nystagmus 5-11 years, -26 points [95% CI, -39 to -12]; nystagmus 12-17 years, -45 [95% CI, -61 to -28]). Proxy PedEyeQ differences were greatest on Functional Vision (CVI 0-4 years, -45 [95% CI, -56 to -34]; CVI 5-11 years, -58 [95% CI, -72 to -43]; nystagmus 12-17 years, -50 [95% CI, -69 to -31]). Parent PedEyeQ differences were greatest on Worry about Child's Functional Vision (CVI 0-4 years, -64; 95% CI -77 to -50).

The PedEyeQ detects reduced ER-QOL and functional vision across pediatric eye conditions, and across age groups, indicating its utility for clinical practice and clinical trials.