Quality of life among patients with glaucoma in Sweden

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Abstract
Purpose: To assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in an unselected sample of patients with glaucoma. Methods: The HRQOL was studied in a cross‐sectional survey in 270 patients from two departments of ophthalmology in different parts of Sweden by using the Swedish Health‐Related Quality of Life Survey, a generic HRQOL‐instrument adapted from the Medical Outcomes Study. Results: Compared to a random Standard Population Sample, the glaucoma patients showed lower mean score only in the scale of ‘Pain’ (p<0.05, effect size 0.17), but higher mean score in ‘Sexual functioning’ (p<0.01, effect size 0.35). Significant factors correlated to a lower score on HRQOL‐scales were decreased visual acuity and visual field, and comorbidity of cardiovascular and non‐vascular systemic diseases. Regarding the topical medications, beta‐blockers with or without miotic agents had no negative impact on the HRQOL. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that health‐related quality of life in glaucoma patients in general is good, especially when vision is intact, and that topical beta‐blockers do not have any negative influence.