A Case-Control Study to Assess Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients With and Without Diabetic Retinopathy from a Multiethnic Population in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic patients are exposed to information regarding diabetic eye complications and may therefore be aware of visual function problems even when diabetic retinopathy (DR) is absent or minimal. Hence, it is important to assess vision-related quality of life (VRQL) even in patients with no orminimal DR and preserved visual acuity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational, matched case-control study involved diabetic patients aged above 45 years. The VRQL was measured by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25, version 2000). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to compare VRQL between cases and controls after adjusting for age and gender. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and gender, cases had a significantly lower general health score than controls (mean difference -16.33; 95% CI -19.99 to -13.45; p<0.001). Near-activity scores were also significantly lower among cases (mean difference -5.32; 95% CI -8.23 to -2.41;) p<0.001). Although cases demonstrated a lower composite VRQL score, the difference was not statistically significant (b -0.71, 95% CI -3.57 to 2.15;p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed VRQL is more strongly associated with visual acuity than with the stage of diabetic retinopathy. Hence, we recommend comprehensive counselling regarding vision-related issues to all patients with diabetes.