Patient-reported prevalence of metamorphopsia and predictors of vision-related quality of life in vitreomacular traction: a prospective, multi-centre study

Objectives

To report the prevalence and severity of metamorphopsia, estimate its impact on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) and evaluate predictors of VRQoL in patients with vitreomacular traction (VMT).

Patients and methods

A prospective, cross-sectional multi-centre study in the United Kingdom of 185 patients with VMT, with or without a full thickness macular hole (FTMH). Self-reported metamorphopsia was determined using the metamorphopsia questionnaire. VRQoL was assessed using the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25). Physicians recorded clinical and ocular characteristics in both eyes including a physician assessment of metamorphopsia. ANOVA and predicted least-squares means were used to estimate the impact of metamorphopsia on VRQoL. Predictors of VRQoL were assessed using ordinary-least-squares regression adjusting for clinically important variables.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported metamorphopsia was 69.7% (95% CI 62.6–76.3%) and was higher in eyes with a concomitant FTMH vs. without FTMH (85.4% vs. 64.2%). Physician assessment of metamorphopsia was 53.0% (95% CI: 45.5–60.3%). Comparing eyes with metamorphopsia vs. without metamorphopsia, the VFQ-25 composite score was lower (82.3 vs. 91.4), and mean VA (LogMAR) was worse (0.44 vs. 0.33). The largest difference in VFQ-25 scores was observed for near activities (metamorphopsia: 75.3, No metamorphopsia: 90.2). The adjusted model showed that metamorphopsia severity and age were significantly associated with lower VFQ-25 scores.

Conclusion

Metamorphopsia was highly prevalent in patients with VMT and associated with significantly lower VRQoL. Physician assessment of symptoms underestimated the self-reported presence of metamorphopsia. Metamorphopsia severity acts as a predictor of impaired VRQoL, over and above decrements due to reduced vision.