The Role of Visual Acuity in Daily Functioning and Quality of Life in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

By, Elitsa HRISTOVA, MD, PhD, Lidiya ZADURYAN, Gabriela VASILEVA, Iliyana PETKOVA

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the relationship between visual acuity and activities of daily living in patients with diabetic retinopathy and how this relationship affects their quality of life.

Methodology: Fifty-nine persons over the age of 18 who were residents of the city of Varna and had information about the presence of DR who passed through the Department of Endocrinology UMBAL “St. Marina”—Varna and the office for laser treatment of retinal diseases of University Specialized Eye Hospital—Varna from February to April 2024 were included. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 was translated and adapted into Bulgarian to assess the patient’s quality of life. The results were processed using statistical analysis software – SPSS v.21.

Findings: According to the degree of retinal involvement by diabetic retinopathy, the median visual acuity was as follows: NPDR, 0.7 (IQR=0.225); PDR, 0.6 (IQR=0.375); DME, 0.5 (IQR=0.425). Analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in visual acuity between the three groups χ²= 6.78; p=0.034*). There was also a moderate positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.462) indicating a significant relationship between visual acuity and social functioning (p<0.001*) and a moderate to strong positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.636) demonstrating the existence of a significant relationship between visual acuity and mental health (p<0.001*).

Originality/value: This study provides fresh insights into how visual acuity affects daily functional abilities in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The findings offer practical guidance for clinical and public health interventions aimed at enhancing patient autonomy and well-being.

The Role of Visual Acuity in Daily Functioning and Quality of Life in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy, quality of life