Vision-related quality of life among patients with keratoconus: a cross sectional study

Hamzeh Al Zabadi; Mohammad Shehadeh; Lubna Amro; Nadeen Ghattass; Ibrahim Taha

doi:10.3389/fmed.2023.1208911

Vision-related quality of life among patients with keratoconus: a cross sectional study

Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Aug 10:10:1208911. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1208911. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Hamzeh Al Zabadi¹, Mohammad Shehadeh², Lubna Amro³, Nadeen Ghattass³, Ibrahim Taha⁴

Affiliations

¹ Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
² Opthalmology Department, An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
³ Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
⁴ Optometry Department, Arab American University, Ramallah, Palestine.

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of keratoconus patients residing in Nablus city, Palestine. Furthermore, we investigated the possible correlation between Pentacam topographic indices and the quality of life of patients with keratoconus.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated keratoconus patients at An-Najah University Hospital in 2019, diagnosed through clinical examination and corneal tomography. A control group was randomly selected from non-keratoconus patients with normal tomography. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire was administered during face-to-face interviews to compare both groups. NEI-VFQ-25 assesses vision-related quality of life and is a validated tool.

Results: Keratoconus patients' quality of life is significantly impacted, mainly in near and distant vision, general vision, mental health, and social health, but not in general health, ocular pain, color vision, role difficulties, or dependency. Visual acuity is significantly affected in both eyes of keratoconus patients.

Conclusion: Patients with keratoconus exhibit a decreased quality of life related to vision, with physical, emotional, and social impairments demonstrated by the NEI-VFQ-25 when compared to controls. Since keratoconus patients are typically young adults in their productive years, understanding their concerns about their future is an important public health aspect that can aid in modifying their treatments. By addressing the specific needs of this patient population, healthcare providers can better support their long-term well-being and quality of life.

Keywords: Palestine; Pentacam; keratoconus; quality of life; vision.