Evaluation of quality of life in patients with primary congenital glaucoma according to the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 and GLQ-15 scales

Introduction: Impaired visual function from an early age directly impacts the vision-related quality of life (VRQol) of patients with congenital glaucoma, affecting daily activities, emotional, and social well-being. Evaluating quality of life becomes a key comprehensive approach to understand the needs of these patients and guiding more personalized care. Objective: To evaluate VRQol in patients with congenital glaucoma and their caregivers according to the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ)-25 and Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GLQ-15) scales. Subjects and Methods: Observational, prospective, and multicenter study, applying the VFQ-25 and GLQ-15 instruments to pediatric patients with primary congenital glaucoma and their caregivers. Results: 43.2% of the sample reported good quality of life, 32.4% moderate, and 24.3% poor. 62.5% of patients with very good vision reported a very good quality of life. 57.7% of patients with <3 surgeries reported good quality of life, 57.1% of patients with intraocular pressures (IOPs) >21 mmHg showed poor quality of life, and children without treatment or with two drugs in fixed combination reported good quality of life (55.6% and 58.3% respectively). Conclusions: The aspects associated with a higher quality of life were better vision level, unilateral involvement, adequate control of ocular pressure, a reduced number of surgeries, as well as the use of fewer medications for IOP control. These findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive evaluation that combines clinical parameters with psychosocial tools.