The importance of the assessment of quality of life in Glaucoma patients

Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disorder that can lead to visual impairment and blindness. The projection of glaucoma prevalence in the world suggests that in 2020, 79,6 million of people will have glaucoma, 11,2 million of them will be bilaterally blind. The chronic disease, such as glaucoma, affects the different roles of a patient in everyday life and his/her well-being. Quality of Life (QoL) helps to define the inability of performing specific task that is most important to patient. Patients' perspective on their visual impairment and well-being are essential in the planning of management of glaucoma. The assessment of QoL should be standard procedure in the management of glaucoma patients. In clinical practice it should represent a gold standard in the care of chronic patients and a proof of fulfilling the patients' rights. The assessments of QoL should serve as a tool for good clinical practice, for respecting the patients' rights, and respect for the value of human life in general.