XXXX surgery and changes in quality of life measures.

@entity1 @entity2194 @entity227 @entity308 @entity231 @entity726
BACKGROUND: This study examines whether quality of life measured with non-disease specific instruments is altered by @entity231 surgery and whether the effect is modulated by the presence of @entity2194 or other non-ocular issues. METHODS: Thirteen @entity1 were assessed pre- and at three months post- @entity231 surgery. @entity227 was measured with the Visual Disability Assessment. Quality of life was measured using two established generic instruments: the Cantril Ladder and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). Subjects were also asked to report any events that may have influenced their quality of life in the three months after surgery. RESULTS: Visual acuity and @entity227 were significantly improved by surgery (p < 0.01). Cantril Ladder score was significantly improved after surgery (p = 0.04). The POMS score improved significantly after surgery, only when cases with @entity2194 were excluded (p = 0.04). Two cases had a large deterioration in POMS score that was attributable in one case, to the death of a partner and in the other (a @entity1 with severe @entity726 ) to @entity308 from the realisation that there was no further potential for visual improvement. DISCUSSION: Quality of life can be measurably improved by @entity231 surgery. However, this is less likely if @entity2194 is present. The use of generic instruments for outcome studies increases the likely influence of external factors on quality of life measures. Disease specific instruments, such as the Visual Disability Assessment, should be used wherever possible in outcomes research.
