First Author: T.Ferreira PORTUGAL
Co Author(s): F. Fraga H. Prior Filipe A. Carvalho J. Maia Seco M. Raposo
Purpose:
Both LASIK and phakic intraocular lenses (IOL) are valid options for the correction of high myopia in young adults. The choice between the two depends on multiple factors. The impact on quality of life must be one of them.
The aim of our study is to compare the Quality of Life scores of individuals who performed LASIK or Phakic IOL with similar spherical equivalents, using the validated questionnaire “National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of Life Instrument – 42” (NEIRQL 42).
Setting:
: Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal
Methods:
The NEIRQL 42 questionnaire was administered to subjects undergoing LASIK or phakic IOL from 2007 to 2010 at the Instituto de Oftalmologia Dr. Gama Pinto with a spherical equivalent between -6.0 and -12 D. At a follow up visit we registered the Uncorrected Visual Acuity (UVA), the Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent and anterior and posterior segment observations.
Statistical analysis was performed by means of Chi-Square testing, using the IBM SPSS® software.
Results:
We obtained a sample of 29 subjects, 23 in the LASIK group (Group I) and 6 in the Phakic IOL group (Group II). Demographic features were similar between groups, being the spherical equivalents of -7,0 ± 1,2 D in Group I and of -9,8 ± 1,8 D in Group II.
The items “Diurnal Fluctuation” and “Expectations” showed a statistically significant difference between Group I and II (69,3% vs 56,6% p-0,049 and 44,0% vs 54,2%, p-0,038 respectively).
Although not statistically significant, the items “Near Vision”, “Activity Limitations” and “Worry” were more favorable in Group I (83,4% vs. 69,9% p – 0,128, 85,1% vs. 67,9% p-0,212 and 30,4% vs. 8,3% p- 0,081, respectively), and in Group II the items “Clarity of Vision” and “Satisfaction with correction” were superior (87,8% vs. 79,1% p-0,364 e 90% vs. 85,2% p-0,832), respectively). The items “Glare”, “Symptoms” and “Appearance” were similar between groups.
and “Satisfaction with correction” were superior (87,8% vs. 78,1% e 90% vs. 85,2%, respectively). The items “Glare”, “Symptoms” e “Apearance” were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
The items concerning refractive error related quality of life were better in the LASIK group, but overall “Satisfaction” was greater in the Phakic IOL group. Hence, in terms of Quality of Life results, we think both technics are good options.
Financial Disclosure:
No
