Cohort study of global, psychological, and visual quality of life one year after evisceration/enucleation surgery: QOLAE 1 study.

PURPOSE: To describe the evolution of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 12 months after eye amputation surgery and to identify the factors influencing HRQoL. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted. METHODS: • Setting: A monocentric study was performed. • Patient Population: A total of 35 patients who had to undergo a surgical eye amputation were included and followed for a period of 12 months. • Intervention: Three standardized HRQoL questionnaires were filled at two time points: 3 months postoperatively (initial phase) and 12 months postoperatively (subsequent phase). The questionnaires were the following: The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). • Main Outcome Measure: The variation in the quality of life as reflected in the NEI VFQ-25 score compared at 3 months to 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the multidimensional analysis scales of the HRQoL 12 months after eye amputation surgery. Regarding the VFQ-25 subscales, the peripheral visual field and the dependence on others were significantly improved at 12-month follow-up (P < 0.01). A multivariate analysis conducted at the 12-month follow-up revealed a significant association between a history of stroke and a decline in physical quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement and stabilization of HRQoL in patients who have undergone ocular amputation surgery are indicative of adaptative mechanisms. It would be beneficial to implement a tailored preparation program for patients with factors that may impact HRQoL prior to undergoing this surgical procedure.