Journal Article

Self-Reported Visual Quality of Life After Combat Ocular Trauma

Ryan, Denise S., Weichel, Eric D., Bower, Kraig S., Spiegelman, Andrew, Sia, Rose K., Eaddy, S. G., Mazzoli, Robert A., McLaughlin, Andrew, Colyer, Marcus H.

2017

Overview

To describe the visual outlook and quality of life of service members after combat ocular trauma. In a single-center, prospective observational study of service members sustaining ocular trauma, participants underwent a series of ocular examinations and noninvasive tests, including the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Of the 165 enrolled participants, 137 completed the VFQ-25. The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 74.4 ± 20.7 (range: 1.4-100). Among 118 participants with visual acuity assessment, 92% had best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 or better in at least one eye. Among participants with severe vision loss (BCVA ≤20/200), there was no statistically significant difference in self-reported general health compared to those without severe vision loss (p = 0.17). However, there was a significantly lower visual quality of life reported in the composite score and all of the 11 subscales of the VFQ-25. While this study provides evidence that combat ocular trauma is associated with a lower visual quality of life, limitations include the relatively small sample size and the limited documentation of the use of eye protection at time of injury among participants.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: Adolescent / Adult / Afghan Campaign 2001 / Eye Injuries - complications / Eye Injuries - etiology / Female / Health Status / Humans / Iraq War, 2003-2011 / Male / Middle Aged / Military Personnel - psychology / Prospective Studies / Quality of Life - psychology / Self Report / Surveys and Questionnaires / Vision Disorders - complications / Vision Disorders - psychology / Warfare / Wounds and Injuries - complications / Wounds and Injuries - psychology