# Quality of life and treatment adherence in glaucoma: a cross-sectional analysis using the NEI-VFQ25 and MMAS-8 questionnaires

## TL;DR

This study explores how quality of life and treatment adherence relate in glaucoma patients, finding no significant link between the two.

## Contribution

The study reveals that quality of life and treatment adherence in glaucoma patients are independent factors.

## Key findings

- 59.2% of patients adhered to treatment, while 40.8% showed low adherence.
- No significant correlation was found between quality of life and treatment adherence.
- Disease severity was linked to optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

## Abstract

To analyze the quality of life and treatment adherence of patients with
glaucoma at different disease stages, considering factors such as sex,
visual acuity, disease severity, and treatment characteristics.

This cross-sectional study included 174 patients (346 glaucomatous eyes)
recruited from clinical records and routine follow-ups at a specialized
ophthalmology center. Their mean age was 39–90 years, and 60.9% of them were
women. Their quality of life and adherence were assessed using the NEI-VFQ25
and MMAS-8 questionnaires, respectively. Complementary tests included 24:2
visual field test, retinography, and optical coherence tomography. Patients
diagnosed with glaucoma for at least 6 months were included, whereas
pregnant patients and those with ocular diseases were excluded.

Among the participants, 59.2% adhered to the treatment whereas 40.8% showed
low adherence. The mean quality of life score was 81.87. Patients with low
adherence had slightly higher quality of life scores (mean 83.1) than those
with good adherence (mean 81.0), but the difference was not statistically
significant. Disease severity was associated with increased optic nerve
cupping, reduced thickness of the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers, and
great visual field loss. No significant correlation was observed between
adherence and quality of life, indicating the independence of these factors
and the influence of psychological or social elements.

The absence of a correlation between quality of life and treatment adherence
highlights the need for tailored interventions for psychological and social
aspects. These findings indicate the importance of a comprehensive approach
to managing glaucoma, preserving visual function, strengthening
doctor–patient relationships, and considering psychosocial factors to
enhance quality of life and treatment adherence.