Self-Reported Vision-Related Quality of Life and Functional Impact in Portuguese Patients with Uveitis: A...

To evaluate the association between uveitis and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in Portuguese adults and to explore self-reported relationships with daily activities, driving, and psychosocial functioning.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 in Lisbon, including 92 adults (mean age: 46.0 ± 10.7 years). Participants were divided into two groups: self-reported uveitis (n=36) and without uveitis (n=56). All participants completed an online National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) along with demographic and clinical surveys assessing perceived vision, ocular pain, activity limitations, driving status, and emotional and social reactions. Statistical analyses included group comparisons using Chi-square or Mann-Whitney U-tests and multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex.

Participants with uveitis reported significantly higher levels of constant vision concern (55.6% vs. 21.4%, p<0.001) and greater ocular pain (overall distribution, p<0.001), with a higher proportion reporting severe pain (16.7% vs. 7.1%). They also experienced more difficulties in daily activities such as reading street signs (69.6%), cooking (63.0%), and finding objects (56.5%). Daytime driving difficulties were more frequent among uveitis participants (70.0% vs. 31.8%, p=0.0049). Emotional and social impacts, including activity restriction, staying at home, frustration, and dependence on others, were also more commonly reported (p<0.001 in most comparisons). Multivariable analyses suggested that uveitis was associated with higher functional and psychosocial limitations; however, uveitis was not significantly associated with constant vision concern, which was primarily related to older age.

Uveitis was associated with poorer self-reported VRQoL, daily functioning, driving ability, and psychosocial well-being, although not all associations remained significant after adjustment. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Multidisciplinary management integrating visual rehabilitation and psychosocial support may be important to improve patient-centered care.