CORRELATION BETWEEN VISUAL FIELD LOSS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN GLAUCOMA PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, primarily affecting visual function, particularly the visual field. While significant attention is given to the physical consequences of the disease, its psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life, remain underexplored. The progressive loss of vision impacts daily functioning and mental well-being, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to patient care that integrates both visual and psychological health management.

Objective: To examine the correlation between visual field loss and psychological well-being in glaucoma patients, focusing on anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 53 glaucoma patients at a tertiary care hospital. Patient history was documented using a structured proforma, and visual field loss was assessed using the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. Psychological well-being was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while quality of life was measured using the Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15) questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to determine the associations between visual field impairment, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.

Results: A significant positive correlation was found between visual field loss and anxiety (r = 0.647, p = 0.000), as well as between visual field loss and depression (r = 0.565, p = 0.000). Additionally, a strong inverse correlation was observed between visual field loss and quality of life (r = -0.798, p = 0.000), indicating that greater visual impairment was associated with lower quality of life scores.

Conclusion: Greater visual field loss in glaucoma patients was significantly associated with increased anxiety and depression, alongside a decline in quality of life. These findings highlight the necessity of comprehensive treatment strategies that address both the functional limitations and psychological burden of glaucoma, ensuring improved overall patient well-being.