Visual function and quality of life amongst patients with cataract attending Ophthalmology camps in a coastal district in Southern India

Introduction: Aim of the study was to measure the visual function and quality of life amongst cataract patients attending camps. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among patients attending Ophthalmology camp and having impaired vision due to cataract. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. After obtaining informed consent, validated questionnaires developed by Aravind Eye Hospital, to measure the Visual functioning (VF) and Quality of Life (QOL) were administered to the patient. Results: A total of 324 patients (201 males and 123 females) with mean age 54.33 years (SD=8.99) were interviewed. Nearly half (46.9%) of the patients had severe or grade IV visual impairment as per WHO criteria of visual impairment. Two-thirds participants admitted that impaired vision adversely affected activities of daily living. The various sub scales studied in QOL questionnaire were: self care, mobility, social and mental problems due to impaired vision. All of these were almost equally affected due to cataract. Total VF score differs significantly (p<0.0005) for various visual impairment categories, except between category 2 and 3, where there is no significant difference (p=.695). In the QOL score there exists significant difference (p<0.0005) between group 1 with respect to other groups of visual impairment. VF & QOL score had no statistically significant association with age, gender and socioeconomic class. Conclusion: The visual function score and the quality of life score worsen as the visual acuity deteriorates due to cataract. Hence we need to strengthen our outreach programs so that we diagnose and treat cataract early leading to better quality of life.