Abstract
Purpose
Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is associated with changes in the appearance of the eyes and visual dysfunction. Patients report feeling socially isolated and unable to continue with day-to-day activities. This study aimed at investigating the demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors associated with quality of life in patients presenting for orbital decompression surgery.
Methods
One-hundred and twenty-three adults with GO due for orbital decompression at Moorfields Eye Hospital London were recruited prospectively. Clinical measures including treatment history, exophthalmos, optic neuropathy, and diplopia were taken by an ophthalmologist. Participants completed psychosocial questionnaires, including the Graves’ Ophthalmopathy Quality of Life Scale (GO-QOL), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Derriford Appearance Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of quality of life.
Results
Higher levels of potential cases of clinical anxiety (37%) and depression (26%) were found in this study sample than in patients with other chronic diseases or facial disfigurements. A total of 55% of the variance in GO-QOL visual function scores was explained by the regression model; age, asymmetrical GO and depressed mood were significant unique contributors. In all, 75% of the variance in GO-QOL appearance scores was explained by the regression model; gender, appearance-related cognitions and depressed mood were significant unique contributors.
Conclusion
Appearance-related quality of life and mood were particularly affected in this sample. Predominantly psychosocial characteristics were associated with quality of life. It is important when planning surgery for patients that clinicians be aware of factors that could potentially influence outcomes.
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge those who funded the research (City University London and Moorfields Eye Hospital Special Trustees). The authors also thank colleagues at Moorfields Eye Hospital who assisted with recruitment and data collection for the study. DGE and GER received partial funding from the Department of Health’s NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology at Moorfields Eye Hospital and UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Health.
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Wickwar, S., McBain, H., Ezra, D. et al. Which factors are associated with quality of life in patients with Graves’ orbitopathy presenting for orbital decompression surgery?. Eye 29, 951–957 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2015.76
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.2015.76
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