Predictors of problems reported on the EQ-5D-3L dimensions among people with impaired vision in northern Portugal

EQ-5D-5L health utility scores in Australian adults with inherited retinal diseases: A cross-sectional survey

PURPOSE

Economic evaluations of interventions for ocular disease require utility scores that accurately represent quality of life in the target population. This study aimed to describe the distribution of EQ-5D-5L utility values among Australian adults with symptomatic inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and to assess the relationship between these scores and vision-related quality of life.

METHODS

A survey was administered predominantly online in 2021. Participants completed the EQ-5D-5L general health utility instrument, the EQ vertical visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Self-reported IRD diagnoses were classified as being associated with central or widespread retinal involvement.

RESULTS

Responses from 647 participants aged 18-93 years were included, 50.1% were men and 77.6% had an IRD associated with widespread retinal involvement. The majority reported no problems with self-care and no pain/discomfort but did report anxiety/depression and problems with work, study, housework, or family/leisure activities. Most people with widespread involvement reported problems with mobility. Median EQ-5D-5L utility was 0.88 and 0.91 among people with widespread and central involvement, respectively (age and sex-adjusted p = 0.029); and median EQ-VAS was 75 and 80, respectively (adjusted p = 0.003). A moderate curvilinear correlation was observed between EQ-5D-5L and NEI-VFQ-25 composite score (Spearman's ρ 0.69), but not all people with poor vision-related quality of life had low EQ-5D-5L utility values.

CONCLUSIONS

EQ-5D-5L health utility values are correlated with vision-related quality of life among adults with IRDs. However, the EQ-5D-5L may not be sensitive to the full impact of vision impairment on quality of life.

Self-reported symptoms of everyday executive dysfunction, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue and health status among adults with congenital aniridia: a descriptive study

Background

Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic disorder of the eye characterized by visual impairment and progressive vision loss. While prior research has focused on ocular manifestations in individuals with aniridia, there is a dearth of research on impacts on cognition and mental health. The aims of this study were to describe subjective symptoms of everyday executive functioning, fatigue and sleepiness in adults with aniridia and to compare self-reported health status with that of a normative reference group.

Methods

Twenty-nine adults (aged 18-79 years) with congenital aniridia were included in this online survey, of whom 52% were females. Participants completed self-report measures of executive functioning (The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version), sleepiness, fatigue, and health status (EQ-5D-5L).

Results

Participants reported relatively few problems in everyday executive functioning, with only 14% experiencing impaired executive functioning. Scores on the five EQ-5D-5L domains (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression) did not differ from those of the normative reference group. The frequencies of excessive daytime sleepiness and severe fatigue were 17% and 38%, respectively. Ocular pain was experienced by 62% of participants.

Conclusions

The findings show that cognitive problems are related to and reflect self-reported health status and extent of fatigue. Moreover, those who suffered from ocular pain reported more difficulties with executive functioning, sleepiness and fatigue. These findings are important for understanding this disorder and supporting patients.

The Basic VRS-Effect Study: Clinical Trial Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Low Vision Rehabilitation in Portugal

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the clinical impact of vision rehabilitation in patients with vision impairment and (2) to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a basic vision rehabilitation service in Portugal.

METHODS

The trial recruited patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy (DR) and visual acuity in the range 0.4-1.0logMAR in the better-seeing eye. Participants were randomised to one of the study arms consisting of immediate intervention and delayed intervention. The intervention included: new refractive correction, optical reading aids, in-office training and advice about modifications at home. Visual ability, health-related quality of life and costs were measured. Economic analysis was performed to evaluate whether the intervention was cost-effective. The trial compared the outcomes 12 weeks after the start in both arms.

RESULTS

Of the 46 participants, 34 (74%) were diagnosed with DR, 25 (54%) were female, and mean age was 70.08 years (SD = 8.74). In the immediate intervention arm visual ability increased a mean of 0.523 logits (SE = 0.11) (p < 0.001). Changes in the delayed intervention arm were not statistically significant (p = 0.95). Acuity in the better-seeing eye, near acuity and critical print size also improved during the study. The mean cost of the intervention was €118.79 (SD = 24.37). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using the EQ-5D-5L was 30,421€/QALY and 1186€/QALY when using near acuity.

CONCLUSION

The current study gives evidence of positive clinical impact of a basic vision rehabilitation intervention and shows that a basic vision rehabilitation service is cost-effective. These findings are important to clinical and rehabilitation practices and for planning vision rehabilitation services.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered, 21/01/2019. ISRCTN10894889, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10894889.