A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE ASSESSMENT USING VF-14 QUESTIONNAIRE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

The aim of this study is to study the management and assess the vision related quality of life using VF-14 questionnaire for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) 
among patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. A prospective, cross sectional study was carried out on patients who were diagnosed to have Diabetic 
Retinopathy under the department of Ophthalmology of Sadhuram Eye Hospital, Hyderabad for 6 months. 100 patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes 
with NPDR, PDR, and patients above 18 years of age were recruited in the study. Data relevant to the vision related QOL study and management were 
obtained and recorded using VF-14 Questionnaire and data collection form respectively. Among 100 patients 65% of patients were males and 35% were 
females. The prevalence of DR was found to be more in the age group of (46-65) years. When the patients were categorized according to the duration 
of diabetes it was found that 50% were with (5-10 years) duration. When the samples were categorized based on the treatment undergone, it was found 
that most of the patients i.e. 34 % undergone therapy with bevacizumab followed by PRP. It was found that the mean QOL scores were improved after 
treatment with intra vitreal injections. Among samples collected it is shown that pharmacological agents that could slow the progression of Diabetic 
Retinopathy include anti-VEGF therapy and implantable dexamethasone which has been the new standard of care. The study analyzed that treatment 
provided was according to the standard therapeutic guidelines and overall QOL improved in patients with the treatment modalities.