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Update on Quality of Life in Glaucoma

  • Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma (R Kuchtey, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To summarize the recent studies which evaluate the relationship between quality of life and glaucoma.

Recent Findings

Vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) is a patient-reported outcome that is influenced by many factors including visual function, mental health, physical health, and education. It can be correlated to clinical measures such as visual field testing and imaging parameters. Certain thresholds of visual field loss may precede rapid loss of VRQOL. Glaucoma surgery does not decrease VRQOL and may prevent further VRQOL deterioration.

Summary

More instruments need to be developed to quickly and reliably evaluate VRQOL. In a patient-centered health care environment, a multi-faceted treatment approach is indicated for glaucoma and includes medical/surgical therapy, education, and referrals for coexisting medical conditions. In the future as the relationship between visual field and quality of life become clearer, the timing of medical and surgical interventions may change.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Correspondence to Hana Takusagawa.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Diagnosis and Monitoring of Glaucoma

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Kung, Y., Takusagawa, H. Update on Quality of Life in Glaucoma. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 6, 93–97 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-018-0169-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-018-0169-0

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