Functional Visual Ability and Quality of Life in Children With Glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of glaucoma and its management on the functional visual ability (FVA) and the vision-related quality of life (VR QoL) in children 8-18 years of age. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: FVA was assessed using the Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC) and VR QoL was assessed using the Impact of Vision Impairment for Children (IVI_C) tool. Results: Eighty-five children 8-18 years of age were interviewed at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Scores for FVA and VR QoL were decreased in children with glaucoma: median of CVAQC scores, -0.68 (interquartile range [IQR], -1.27 to 0.19; range, -3.00 higher visual ability to +2.80 lower visual ability); IVI_C mean score, 55.3 (standard deviation, 13.0; normal VR QoL, 96). Factors associated with significantly lower FVA and VR QoL included, lower best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P <.0001 for both FVA and VR QoL), bilateral glaucoma (P =.04 for in FVA and P =.009 in VR QoL), and 3 or more glaucoma surgeries (P <.001 for both FVA and VR QoL). Conclusion: FVA and VR QoL as perceived by children with glaucoma are reduced. Children with lower BCVA, those with bilateral glaucoma, and those who had undergone 3 or more glaucoma surgeries had significantly lower FVA and VR QoL. Improving the QoL with psychosocial involvement and visual rehabilitation by the use of low-vision aids among children with glaucoma should be included in the treatment plan in addition to medical and surgical treatment.