Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition linked to multiple long-term complications, among which is diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Aim: The aim of this article is to assess the impact of the different stages of DR on the quality of life of the affected patients by conducting a comparative analysis of the perceptions and level of functionality related to vision and general health.
Methods: Fifty-nine patients with the presence of DR, over the age of 18, residents of the city of Varna, who passed through the Department of Endocrinology of St. Marina University Hospital in Varna and the office for laser treatment of retinal diseases of University Specialized Eye Hospital in Varna for the period February–April 2024 were included in the research. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 was translated and adapted into Bulgarian to assess the patients’ quality of life. The results obtained were processed using the statistical analysis software Jamovi 2.3.26.
Results: Quality of life was assessed based on the conversion of the obtained results into 12 subscales, with higher values in the subscales indicating better visual function and less impact of visual problems on patients' quality of life. The statistical analysis results showed no statistically significant differences between patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic macular edema regarding the 12 subscales (p > 0.05 for all indicators).
Conclusion: Our results add to existing data in a global context and highlight the need for strategic approaches to the management of diabetic retinopathy, including mental health as a key component.
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