title: [Quality of life in patients with age-related macular degeneration - medical and social problem].
abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness over the age of 50 in western countries. People with AMD are suffering from serious vision-related disability and their social life is compromised.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to assess quality of life (QoL) in patients with exudative AMD.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group was 100 patients treated for AMD, the control group were 30 age and sex matched subjects without ophthalmic disorders. Patients were treated with anti-VEGF therapy, by means of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). As well as visual function, the NEI-VFQ investigates social functioning, mental health and dependency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was statistically significant difference in QoL overall score between study group and control group. Patients with AMD obtained 51.1 (+/- 20.5 ) overall score, control group reached 83.7 (+/- 11.7) overall score, p = 0.001. Detailed analysis of study group revealed low acceptance of the disease and strong dependency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  QoL in patients with AMD assessed with NEI VFQ-25, is significantly impaired. Low quality of life and difficulties in performing daily activities point at the need of formal psychological and social care.
authors.affiliation: Z Katedry i Kliniki Okulistyki Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu. maria-muzyka@tlen.pl
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muzyka-Woźniak
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Misiuk-Hojło
authors.forename: Alicja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wesolowska
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*