Quality of Life in Glaucoma: A Review of the Literature. Issue 6 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quaranta, Luciano; Riva, Ivano; Gerardi, Chiara; Oddone, Francesco; Floriano, Irene; Konstas, Anastasios
• Is Part Of: Advances in therapy. Volume 33:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 959
• Page End: 981
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Glaucoma -- Ophthalmology -- Quality of life -- Quality of life assessment -- Visual field loss; Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1007/s12325-016-0333-6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-238X

Abstract

Abstract The ultimate goal of glaucoma management is the preservation of patients' visual function and quality of life (QoL). The disease itself as well as the medical or surgical treatment can have an enormous impact on a patient's QoL. Even the mere diagnosis of a chronic, irreversible, potentially blinding disorder can adversely affect the patient's sense of well-being and QoL by eliciting significant anxiety. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma rarely present with visual symptoms, at least early in the course of the disease. A better understanding of patient-reported QoL can improve patient–physician interaction and enhance treatment adherence by customizing treatment options based on individual patient profile, thus optimizing long-term prognosis. These aspects are summarized and critically appraised in this article.