Changes in quality of life in visually impaired patients after low-vision rehabilitation

The objective of the study was to assess the impact of low-vision aids on quality of life. Interviews included a modified version of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (Modified German NEI VFQ-25), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation Status. These were conducted before and 5 months after low-vision rehabilitation that involved recommendation of devices and instructing patients on how to use them. Of a total of 88 patients interviewed before low-vision rehabilitation, 50 patients could be reached for the follow-up interview. A huge proportion of the sample reported clinically significant depression (30%) or anxiety (30%). There were no differences between participants or dropouts. After fitting of low-vision devices, patients reported a significant improvement in perceived near tasks (P<0.01), social functioning (P<0.01), and reading ability (P<0.001). The magnitude of change was moderate. No significant changes were found in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination Blind, and Indicators of the Rehabilitation Status. Low-vision rehabilitation appears to have a broader effect than simply improving visual performance, as it may positively influence social functioning. Even though this study had no control group, the influence of low-vision aids on social functioning has not been reported before and should encourage their use.