Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Related to Quality of Life in Indonesian Glaucoma Patients

Abstract

Quality of life assessment in glaucoma is important in clinical practice to assess patient’s well-being, visual function, and level of satisfaction. This study is aimed to analyze the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and quality of life (QOL) in primary glaucoma patients. A prospective, analytical observational with cross sectional study was conducted in Medan Baru Medical Centre Hospital from April 2020 to July 2020. The study included 64 patients with primary glaucoma. The patients were investigated for ophthalmology examination which are visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement by Goldmann Applanation Tonometer, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with Spectral Domain OCT (SD- OCT), visual field analysis with perimetry (Octopus Perimetry) and quality of life was assessed using GQL-15 questionnaire. Results showed a significant correlation between the RNFL thickness and the GQL-15 score (p= 0.0001) which the character of the relationship was negative (r = -0.469). This correlation denoted if there’s a progressive loss of RNFL thickness, the GQL-15 score will increasingly high (poorer). The conclusion with thinner RNFL showed a poorer GQL-15 scores.