An evaluation of impact modes of myopia correction on vision-related quality of life

Purpose: This is the first study to examine the effect of different modes of myopia correction on a particular aspect of vision-related quality of life (participation) using Vision-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (VisQoL). The study examined the importance of seven other variables that may impact on the participation aspect of vision-related quality of life: age, gender, ethnicity, income, total years of education, degree of myopia (SphE), and age of diagnosis. Methods: GEM (Genes in Myopia) study participants were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included basic demographic questions and VisQoL. Results: After correcting for demographic factors and degree of myopia, myopes requiring glasses and/ or contact lenses were 7.8 times more likely to injure themselves, 9.5 times more likely to have difficulties coping with the demands in their life, 6.8 times more likely to have difficulties fulfilling their family/work roles, and 11 times more likely to avoid joining in everyday activities due to their mode of myopia correction compared to emmetropes. Vision-related quality of life in the post refractive surgery group was the same as emmetropes. Conclusions: The mode of myopia correction was the most significant factor affecting a myope's participation aspect of vision-related quality of life