Quality of life of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle closure glaucoma, and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in Central Serbia

Abstract

Background/Aim. Impaired vision resulting from glaucoma can have deleterious effects on both physical and mental health. This study aims at examining the adverse impacts of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) on the quality of life (QOL). Methods. This research, designed as a cross-sectional study, included 102 patients treated for POAG, PACG, or PEG. The patients were divided into three groups based on the type of glaucoma they suffered from and were monitored for 6 months. The data on the QOL were collected with National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25). The total NEI VFQ-25 scores were calculated for each group. Results. The general vision was significantly lower in the PEG group than in the remaining groups (PEG 61.1 ? 12.6, POAG 71.6 ? 17.9, PACG 75.7 ? 11.6), p < 0.001. This group also demonstrated the least favorable levels of general health, eye pain, distance vision, social functioning, peripheral vision, disability in daily activities, and dependence of others. The highest value of near vision was recorded for the POAG group (76.2 ? 21.2). The highest mean value in glaucomatous visual field defect was recorded in PEG group (14.5 ? 3.6 dB). Conclusion. This research demonstrates that the quality of life is significantly lower in patients suffering from PEG compared to those who suffer from POAG and PACG. In PEG patients, the lowest scores were recorded for general health, eye pain, distance vision, and social and everyday functioning. The results indicate that serious measures should be taken in order to improve the quality of life of glaucoma patients.