title: Visual function and quality of life in patients who had undergone eye removal surgery: a patient survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure aspects of self-reported vision-related health status and assess the impact of treatment in patients who have undergone eye removal surgery (evisceration or enucleation), using a patient administered questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this non-randomised, questionnaire-based cohort study, patients were identified from the Artificial Eye Service referral register from 2003 to 2010. A self-administered questionnaire based upon previously published scales was completed to measure aspects of visual function and the impact of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-six completed questionnaires were obtained. Mean age at surgery was 54.1 years (range 13-90), with 83% male. Indication for eye-removal was trauma in 14(39%) cases. Ten (28%) had ocular co-morbidity in the fellow-eye. The main reported difficulties were with peripheral vision or distance judgements, in 64% patients. The majority of drivers (66%) had maintained the ability to drive. Self-consciousness was reported in 28(78%) patients, and 56% were able to continue work or activities with no perceived limitations. Overall comfort and aesthetic improvement were noted by the majority. Procedure-specific information leaflets for patients were appreciated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This survey increases our knowledge of aspects of vision-related health status following ocular pathology or trauma that requires eye removal, and may enable improved pre-operative patient counselling. Effects on peripheral vision may be noted most significantly, but the majority can continue normal activities with little difficulty. Overall improvement in comfort and appearance occurs in most patients, although feelings of self-consciousness are common.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Clifford Bridge Road , Coventry, CV2 2DX , United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Morgan-Warren
authors.forename: Purnima
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Harpreet S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Ahluwalia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D017234:Eye Evisceration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012042:Registries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014787:Vision Tests; D014785:Vision, Ocular