Long-term mental health outcomes after corneal transplantation and potential predictors: A multicentre prospective cohort study.

Introduction: To evaluate the long-term effect of corneal transplantation on mental health outcomes and to assess potential predictors of these outcomes.

Methods: For this multicentre prospective cohort study, patients awaiting corneal transplantation were recruited from 11 (academic) hospitals and eye clinics in the Netherlands. Participants (n = 238) completed the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) and the Dutch ICF Activity Inventory Emotional Health subscale (DAI-EH) and Fatigue subscale (DAI-F) 1 month prior and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after corneal transplantation. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as coping styles as measured with the Utrecht Coping List, were considered as potential predictors for mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, emotional health problems and fatigue). Linear mixed models were used to analyse and predict symptoms of depression, anxiety, emotional health problems and fatigue over time.

Results: Scores on the CES-D and HADS-A improved significantly from baseline to 24-months (mean scores CES-D: 8.6 vs. 7.7, p = 0.03; mean scores HADS-A: 3.7 vs. 3.2, p = 0.002). Scores on the DAI-EH and DAI-F also improved significantly from baseline to 24-months (mean scores DAI-EH: 10.7 vs. 7.5, p < 0.001; mean scores DAI-F: 17.4 vs. 11.3, p < 0.001). Male sex and Fuchs' dystrophy were important predictors of better mental health outcomes, whereas comorbidity, (dry) eye complaints and a passive reacting coping style were important predictors of worse mental health outcomes.

Conclusion: Corneal transplantation had a positive impact on mental health outcomes and important predictors were identified. This study may improve the understanding of patients and eyecare practitioners about the effects of corneal transplantation, leading to realistic communication about corneal transplantation expectations.