Rev Bras Oftalmol.2026;85:e0088
Impact of diabetic retinopathy on vision-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Brazil
DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260088
ABSTRACT
Objective:
To investigate the impact of diabetic retinopathy on vision-related quality of life in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Brazilian population.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included patients aged over 18 years attending the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte between January and December 2022. Vision-related quality of life was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Patients were classified into three groups according to diabetic retinopathy severity: mild or moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy; severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and compensated post-laser status diabetic retinopathy. Comparative analyses and multiple linear regression were performed.
Results:
A total of 131 patients were included. Increasing diabetic retinopathy severity was associated with lower vision-related quality of life scores across all domains and in the total score. Patients with compensated post-laser diabetic retinopathy showed significantly higher vision-related quality of life scores compared to those with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In multivariate analysis, diabetic retinopathy severity and worse visual acuity were independently associated with lower vision-related quality of life scores.
Conclusion:
Diabetic retinopathy severity has a substantial impact on vision-related quality of life, underscoring the importance of comprehensive diabetes management. Strategies aimed at preventing diabetic retinopathy progression and ensuring timely therapeutic interventions, such as laser photocoagulation, may contribute to better vision-related quality of life outcomes. Additionally, addressing psychosocial aspects should be considered an integral component of patient care.
