Vision-Related Quality Of Life And Visual Outcome From Cataract Surgery In Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cataract are major contributors to vision impairment in aging diabetic populations. While cataract surgery improves visual acuity, its effect on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in DR patients remains under-explored in Indian settings.

Aim: To assess changes in visual acuity and VRQoL following cataract surgery in patients with DR, using the validated Indian Visual Functioning Questionnaire-33 (IND-VFQ-33).

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 patients with severe NPDR or PDR undergoing small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with PCIOL implantation. Preoperative and 1-month postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IND-VFQ-33 scores were compared using paired t-tests (SPSS v22).

Results: Mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.92 ± 0.24 to 0.32 ± 0.18 logMAR (p < 0.001). VRQoL scores rose from 58.6 ± 12.3 to 82.4 ± 10.7 (p < 0.001), with significant gains across subdomains of mobility, daily activities, and emotional well-being.

Conclusion: Cataract surgery significantly enhances both visual function and quality of life in DR patients. Integrating culturally validated patient-reported outcome measures such as IND-VFQ-33 into routine cataract services strengthens evidence-based public health policy for diabetic populations in low- and middle-income countries.