A follow‐on study on vision‐related quality of life assessment using the NEI‐VFQ‐25 in those with a history of unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts

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Abstract
Purpose To assess vision‐specific health‐related quality of life (using the NEI‐VFQ‐25), educational attainment and visual acuity (VA) in patients with a history of congenital cataracts and appraise these in relation to Kirwan et al.'s (Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 49, 2012, 26) study. Methods A retrospective hospital‐based study of patients with unilateral and bilateral congenital cataracts whounderwent surgery aged younger than 12 months. Those 13 years or older at follow‐up were selected for inclusion. Patients with glaucoma, other associated ocular complications or systemic abnormalities were excluded. Educational attainment and VA at latest review were recorded. Results Twelve patients with unilateral cataract (mean age: 26 ± 4.5) and fifteen with bilateral cataract (mean age 22 ± 4.3) were included. Bilateral group had greater difficulty with near and distance activities, vision‐specific role difficulties, vision‐specific dependency and general health than the unilateral group. There were no significant differences with regard to ocular pain, vision‐specific social functioning, vision‐specific mental health, driving, colour vision, peripheral vision or educational attainment between the groups. All patients attended mainstream school, and majority progressed to third‐level education. Follow up at an increased time from surgery − 6.2 ± 5.13 (unilateral) and 6.5 ± 6.4 years (bilateral) – compared to Kirwan et al.'s study. Conclusion Results were in keeping with Kirwan et al.'s. Bilateral group had greater difficulty with day‐to‐day tasks compared to the unilateral group, including near and distance vision activities. They had greater vision‐specific role difficulties and vision‐specific dependency. There was no difference between the groups in regard to vision‐specific social functioning, vision‐specific mental health or educational attainment. This can be a source of reassurance to parents and patients.

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