Abstracto

Description of the age-related macular degeneration impact on quality of life from the patients' perspective: OBJETIVO DMAE study

Jose M Ruiz-Moreno, Luis Arias-Barquet, Laia Gomez-Baldo, Carles Blanch, Jose Garcia-Arumi

Background: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe and irreversible central vision loss and legal blindness in populations >50 years old in developed countries. To obtain a complete approach to the disease, it is important to consider the reduction in Health Related QoL (HRQoL) of patients. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of AMD on HRQoL and daily activities from the patients' perspective.

Methods: This was an observational, non-interventional study conducted in Spain to assess the impact of AMD in HRQoL. The final data collection took place over a 6-month period and included telephonic interviews with patient’s ≥ 50 years with diagnosed AMD. HRQoL was measured by the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25).

Results: A total of 181 patients were included. The greatest limitations were observed in daily living activities in environments unknown to the patient with a total of 48.8% of the patients needing support from a caregiver to perform domestic/housekeeping tasks. AMD showed a great impact on a patient's self-confidence (44.2%), in their mood (39.7%) and anxiety/nervousness (36.5%), with greater psychological impact in neovascular AMD patients.

Conclusion: The loss of vision in AMD patients is important, having a relevant impact on HRQoL. Furthermore, the level of dependence of these patients generates significant indirect costs. Preservation of vision is critical to limit the impact of AMD on the patient’s life.

Trial registration: Ethical Committee of the University Hospital of Bellvitge (ref. EPA041/19), July 11, 2019.