Evaluation of the Impact of Uveitis on Visual-related Quality of Life

Purpose: To determine quality of life in patients with uveitis and investigate the association between clinical parameters of uveitis and visual functioning. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study. The interviewer-administered National Eye Institute visual function questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used in 117 adult outpatient uveitic patients. Their scores were compared against 48 controls with no ocular history. Subgroup differences amongst the patients were compared using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of visual function and disease characteristics of uveitis. Results: VFQ-25 composite scores for patients were significantly lower than controls in all domains except driving. In multivariable analysis, lower VFQ-25 composite scores were associated with a chronic course of disease, even after taking into account the influences of visual acuity, treatment regimes and location of disease. Conclusions: Uveitic patients reported poorer visual functioning. A chronic course of disease is associated with poorer functioning.