The burden of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a patient's perspective

KL Spooner, CT Mhlanga, TH Hong… - Clinical …, 2018 - Taylor & Francis
KL Spooner, CT Mhlanga, TH Hong, GK Broadhead, AA Chang
Clinical Ophthalmology, 2018Taylor & Francis
Purpose To quantify the burden and quality of life of patients and their caregivers in a cohort
of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in an Australian
clinical setting. Methods A total of 103 patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) therapy for nAMD were asked to complete questionnaires relating to the
financial and time burdens of nAMD. Results All patients completed the questionnaires. Loss
in productivity due to attendance of appointments was 4.4±1.7 hours per month, with …
Purpose To quantify the burden and quality of life of patients and their caregivers in a cohort of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in an Australian clinical setting. Methods A total of 103 patients undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for nAMD were asked to complete questionnaires relating to the financial and time burdens of nAMD. Results All patients completed the questionnaires. Loss in productivity due to attendance of appointments was 4.4±1.7 hours per month, with additional time lost by caregivers. Financial strain was incurred by direct medical costs associated with intravitreal assessment and injections at an average of AU 199.2± 83.1 per month. Indirect costs incurred averaged 64.8± 79.7 per month. Qualitative indirect costs due to loss of productivity for the patient, unpaid caregivers, and loss of productivity due to premature mortality were also a considerable burden. Overall mean Visual Function Questionnaire and EuroQol 5D-3L scores were correlated with visual acuity and demonstrated patients’ subjective decline in quality of vision. Conclusion Management of nAMD carries a substantial burden on patients and caregivers. These results provide important information in understanding the effect of anti-VEGF therapy among patients with nAMD. Together with the quality-of-life burden on the patients, the management of nAMD has a significant societal impact.
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