gms | German Medical Science

Background: Visual impairment (VI) threatens the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Low vision rehabilitation (LVR) and services aim to help people with VI but questions about the effectiveness of LVR remain and it is unclear whether HRQoL of older adults with VI improves during individual LVR process [1].

Aim: To explore the HRQoL of elderly people with VI at onset of individual LVR and after six and 12 months the hypothesis being that the HRQoL could improve during the follow-up.

Method: A prospective study of a patient cohort (n=39) was performed concerning home-dwelling people aged ≥65 years and referred to LVR services because of VI [2] during one year (May 2016-May 2017). The HRQoL was assessed by using a generic HRQoL instrument (the 15D) [3] with interview administration.

Results/findings: The elderly people reported their overall HRQoL to be at least fair during follow up: the mean 15D HRQoL index scores were 0.768 (±SD 0.089) at onset, 0.758 (±SD 0.086) at 6 months and 0.760 (±SD 0.109) at 12 months. The HRQoL thus remained roughly the same during the follow-up period (p=0.971). Individual differences were remarkable, however. The dimensions mostly affected were seeing, performing usual activities and moving. Somewhat unexpected were relatively positive scores concerning depression, distress and mental function throughout the follow-up. The mean value of mental function reduced from onset (0.856, ±SD 0.189) by 6 months (0.826, ±SD 0.218) and by one-year-follow-up (0.799, ±SD 0.193, p=0.036).

Discussion and conclusions: The study suggests that LVR of elderly people may have a role in maintaining a reasonable HRQoL despite VI. The results provide new knowledge for improving of the LVR process and assessing its effectiveness, which is needed for evidence-based rehabilitation practice.