Impact of blepharoptosis surgery on vision-related quality of life and its correlation with contrast sensitivity changes.

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation between contrast sensitivity changes and post-surgical improvement in visual function perception and health-related quality of life among patients with blepharoptosis.

METHODS

This prospective cohort studied 55 patients with blepharoptosis surgical indication, one eye per patient was considered for analysis. Refraction, visual acuity (VA), eyelash ptosis and contrast sensitivity (CS) test were evaluated. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ25), concerning vision-related activities and symptoms, was used to assess the patient´s quality of life pre and postoperatively. Patients were analyzed globally and divided according to the severity of ptosis, lens opacity and the co-existence of glaucoma.

RESULTS

55 eyes underwent ptosis surgery. VA significantly improved without notable refractive changes (p = 0.0044). CS demonstrated significant enhancement in all patients and groups. The NEI-VFQ 25 overall score significantly improved from baseline to 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). General vision (p = 0.0319), near and peripheral vision (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0188, respectively), color vision (0.0177), ocular pain (p < 0.001), dependence (p = 0.0093) and mental health (p = 0.0341) exhibited significant improvement. All groups experienced a significant increase in the overall score postoperatively. They all concurred on the improvement of the subscale near vision, except for the glaucoma group, which showed no improvement in either of the subscales.

CONCLUSION

Ptosis surgery significantly improves contrast sensitivity, visual function, and quality of life in patients, including those with ocular comorbidities such as lens opacity and glaucoma. NEI-VFQ 25 assessment revealed an important enhancement in near and peripheral vision, ocular pain, and dependence; which highlight the broad benefits of the surgery, increasing autonomy in daily activities.