Quality of Life with Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Perceptions of Patients and Optometrists

ObjectiveUnderstanding the impact of eye diseases on quality of life is vital when implementing policies. Studies have demonstrated that physicians poorly predict the effects of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on patients’ quality of life. This study explored how well optometrists who are trained in optics, disease, and low vision rehabilitation can estimate this impact. Quality of life can be measured using questionnaires and utility assessment methods. Knowing how visual impairment affects quality of life will inform policy-makers on how health funds should be distributed.MethodsWe used the time trade-off (TTO) utility assessment of quality of life. Individuals with AMD were separated into three groups based on the severity of the condition. Level 1 had a visual acuity in the better eye of 20/30 (6/9) or better, Level 2 had a visual acuity of 20/40 to 20/100 (6/12 to 6/30), and Level 3 had a visual acuity of 20/200 (6/60) or worse. They were asked to rate how many years of life they would give up if AMD was cured. Optometrists were also asked to imagine that they had AMD at these three levels and to respond to the same question. The ratios were calculated and compared.ResultsOur study included 72 patients with AMD and 47 optometrists. We calculated the mean TTO values of patients with AMD, compared with those done by optometrists, and completed nonparametric analysis. The results demonstrated that there was no statistical difference between the two participant groups (P = .700, .986, and .704) for levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. ConclusionsThe findings suggest optometrists may be good predictors of the impact of AMD on patients’ quality of life as compared with the patients themselves. Optometrists could be consulted as part of a team process about decisions regarding policies for individuals with vision loss due to AMD.