Impact of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration on Daily Activities and Quality of Life: Interview Findings From Patients and Caregivers Relative to a General Population.

Purpose: To investigate impacts of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on patients and caregivers.

Patients and methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with dry AMD, caregivers, and controls (individuals without dry AMD, of similar age, sex, and comorbidity profile to patients) between March 2021 and June 2023. Patients aged ≥50 years, with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score from the most recent eye exam after dry AMD diagnosis, were enrolled from the US and UK. Controls with mild visual impairment and unpaid adult caregivers of patients were also enrolled. Main outcomes were functional impairment impact on daily activities, quality of life (QoL), and mental health among patients relative to controls; dry AMD impact on patient daily activities from caregiver perspective; caregiver work productivity, QoL, and burden.

Results: Thirty patients, 20 controls, and 20 caregivers were interviewed. Patients had a mean age of 65.1 years; 63.3% were female, 83.3% were White, and 96.7% were from the US. Visual impairment based on BCVA score was mild in 70.0% and moderate to severe in 30.0% of patients. Most patients reported problems performing usual activities, whereas most controls experienced no or mild problems. More daily activities in the past month were affected by dry AMD in patients than by visual impairment in controls (mean 4.5 and 2.1), with reading, shopping, and hobbies being most commonly affected in patients. More patients than controls experienced emotional problems. Patients with moderate-to-severe visual impairment reported more impact on activities relative to those with mild visual impairment. Most caregivers were employed, with 46.2% reporting their work productivity was affected at least sometimes, and many experienced mental and emotional burdens and impacts on their daily lives.

Conclusion: Dry AMD impaired the functional ability of patients regardless of visual impairment level and posed significant burdens to caregivers.