VISION-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Povzetek

Background:Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of impaired vision across the globe and a major complication of diabetes mellitus. It has negative impacts on day-to-day functioning, independent living and mental well-being, besides visual loss. There is growing evidence of decreased vision-related quality of life and increased psychological distress as major contributors to the total disease burden.

Objectives:To determine vision-related quality of life and psychological distress in diabetic retinopathy patients and to determine their relationship with disease severity and impaired visual levels.

Methodology:A retrospective study was carried out using 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy who were recruited using a consecutive sample in a tertiary care hospital over six months. Patients whose diagnosis was confirmed over the age of 18 years were included, and patients who had other ocular or psychiatric conditions were excluded. The quality of life related to vision was considered with the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire, whereas the level of psychological distress was considered with the help of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The clinical assessment involved a visual acuity test and fundus examination to stage. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data, and p < 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant.

Results:The mean age of participants was 54.2 ± 9.6 years, with 58% males. Advanced retinopathy was observed in 60% of patients. Vision-related quality of life scores were significantly lower in advanced disease (p < 0.001). Psychological distress was prevalent, with 48% anxiety and 52% depression. Poor visual acuity was significantly associated with higher distress levels (p = 0.002). A strong negative correlation (r = -0.61, p < 0.001) was found between quality of life and psychological distress.

Conclusion:Diabetic retinopathy greatly impairs the quality of life and causes psychological distress. Ophthalmic and psychological care should be offered together to enhance patient outcomes.