The Importance of the Assessment of Quality of Life in Glaucoma Patients

Authors

  • Goran Pelčić
  • Nikša Perić
  • Gordana Pelčić Department of Social Sciences and Medical Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka; Health Care Center of Primorsko-Goranska County

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.21860/j.8.1.4

Glaucoma is chronic, progressive eye disorder that can lead to visual impairment and blindness. The projection of glaucoma prevalence in the world suggests that in 2020, 79,6 million of people will have glaucoma, 11,2 million of them will be bilaterally blind. The chronic disease, such as glaucoma, affects the different roles of patients in everyday life and his/her well-being. Quality of Life (QoL) helps to define the inability of performing specific task that is most important to patient. Patients’ perspective on his visual impairment and wellbeing are essential in the planning of management of glaucoma. Assessment of the QoL should be standard procedure in the management of glaucoma patients.  In clinical practice it should represent a gold standard in the care of chronic patients and prove of fulfilling the patients’ rights. Assessments of QoL should serve as a tool for good clinical practice and for respecting the rights of the patients and respect for the value of human life in general. 

Published

2018-01-03