Vision impairment, eye diseases associated with lower quality of life

There is a consistent association between vision impairment and eye diseases and a reduced quality of life, according to a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. Undergoing ophthalmic interventions had a positive association with quality of life.

In this cross-sectional study of 9 systematic reviews that evaluated the association between quality of life and vision impairment, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or mendelian eye conditions, all found an association between vision impairment and lower quality of life. Of 60 systematic reviews that included ≥1 ophthalmic intervention in association with quality of life, 33 unique interventions, including timely cataract surgery, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for age-related macular degeneration, and macular edema, were studied, with 25 found to improve quality of life.

Reference
Assi L, Chamseddine F, Ibrahim P, et al. A global assessment of eye health and quality of life: A systematic review of systematic reviews. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online February 12, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2021.0146