Articles about Eye Health and Disease 2001
 

Comparing Quality of Life with Good Vision in Both Eyes to Good Vision in Only One Eye.

(From MM Brown, MD et al. Quality of Life Associated with Unilateral and Bilateral Good Vision. Ophthalmology 2001;108:643-648.)

There has been controversy regarding the value of good vision in one eye compared to good vision in both eyes. A number of studies have indicated that in patients with visual loss from cataract in both eyes, those who have both cataracts removed have a better quality of life than those only removing cataract from one eye. This goal of the study cited above was to determine if people with good visual acuity in both eyes have a better quality of life, in general, compared to those with good vision in only one eye. Consecutive patients examined in a general ophthalmology practice and a retinal practice with visual acuity of at least 20/20 to 20/25 in one or both eyes were given the opportunity to answer a questionnaire regarding this study in addition to receiving the complete eye examination.

81 patients were in the study group with good vision in one eye, and 66 patients were in the study group with good vision in both eyes. The questionnaire asked patients to place a value on maintaining good vision in both eyes for life, or the value of regaining the lost vision in one eye. A statistically significant difference was found between the value that the patients of each group placed on their vision. Those with good vision in both eyes placed a higher value on their vision than those with good vision in one eye and vision 20/40 or worse in the other eye. The authors of the study concluded that patient perceived quality of life was better those who have good vision in both eyes than good vision in just one eye. The value of the study was enhanced by the fact that it was based on patient answers rather than on physicians or administrators trying to evaluate the patient's quality of life.

This information regarding the benefit of good vision in both eyes rather than one is a useful and important factor to consider when decision makers assess the value and cost effectiveness of medical interventional therapies.

 

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