Relationship of Cataract Symptoms of Preoperative Patients and Vision-Related Quality of Life

Background: This study was conducted in an attempt to describe the status of cataract symptoms of preoperative cataract patients, as well as to determine the relationship between cataract symptom and vision-related quality of life measures. Research design: A cross-sectional study design was used. Study subjects were selected using non-probabilistic methods. The study sample consisted of 132 patients scheduled for cataract surgery in one eye. Information was obtained from study subjects by conducting face-to-face interviews. Participants: Study subjects were adult cataract patients at Samsung and Kunyang General Hospitals in Seoul, Korea, and Tulane University Hospital and Clinics in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. Measurements: Degree to which study subjects were \u27bothered\u27 by cataract symptoms was measured by using the 5- item Cataract Symptom Scores (CSS). The number of symptoms, highest scored symptom among the five, number of symptoms extremely bothering, and the mean of cataract symptom score were created based on the CSS measure. Vision-related quality of life was assessed by using the Visual Function 14 Items (VF-14) and Global Measure of Vision (GMV) for trouble and satisfaction. Results: The symptoms \u27blurry vision\u27 and \u27worsening of vision\u27 were most frequently reported. The symptom \u27colors looking different\u27 was rarely reported among preoperative cataract patients. The degree to which study subjects were bothered by \u27blurry vision\u27 and \u27seeing glare, halo, or rings\u27 was highly associated with visual function, visual trouble, and visual satisfaction. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the newly developed cataract symptom-related scales, as well as total amount of degree to which study subjects were \u27bothered\u27 by symptoms were highly related to vision-related quality of life measures. These relationships were persistent after controlling for major sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: The results indicate that cataract symptoms are highly associated with vision-related quality of life. The results also suggest that the number of symptoms, highest scored symptom among the five, number of symptoms extremely bothering, and the mean cataract symptom scores should be considered an important cataract symptom-related scale when analyzing quality of life, including cataract symptom