F E van der Feen1, G A de Haan2, I van der Lijn2, F Huizinga3, J F Meilof4, D J Heersema5, J Heutink2. 1. Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 1/2, 9712 TS, Groningen, The Netherlands; Royal Dutch Visio, Center of Expertise for Blind and Partially Sighted People, PO box 1180, Huizen 1270 BD, The Netherlands. Electronic address: f.e.van.der.feen@rug.nl. 2. Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 1/2, 9712 TS, Groningen, The Netherlands; Royal Dutch Visio, Center of Expertise for Blind and Partially Sighted People, PO box 1180, Huizen 1270 BD, The Netherlands. 3. Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, PO box 196, FA 21, Groningen 9700, The Netherlands. 4. Department of Neurology, Martini Hospital, PO box 30033, Groningen 9700 RM, The Netherlands. 5. Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO box 30001, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Visual disturbances are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but visual complaints may be underestimated. While these complaints decrease quality of life, they may not be discussed during clinic visits. People with MS (pwMS) may not be referred to appropriate care. We therefore investigated the prevalence, nature and associations of visual complaints of pwMS. METHODS: We performed a cohort study with a comparison group. PwMS (n = 493) and healthy controls (n = 661) filled out the Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire (SVCq). Primary outcomes were the percentage of pwMS and controls that reported the 19 complaints, and total scores of the SVCq. We also compared the scores on the SVCq between different groups of pwMS. RESULTS: In general, the complaints were reported more often by pwMS than by controls. PwMS especially reported experiencing complaints 'often/always', while controls reported the complaints primarily 'sometimes'. PwMS with and without a history of optic neuritis showed similar complaints. PwMS with a longer disease duration and those with SPMS reported more complaints. EDSS score and disease duration only showed a limited association with discomfort of visual complaints. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of visual complaints among pwMS is high and any person with MS may experience a wide array of different visual complaints anywhere along the disease course, regardless of a history of optic neuritis. Using the SVCq may help detect pwMS' visual complaints and may facilitate referrals to appropriate care.
BACKGROUND: Visual disturbances are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but visual complaints may be underestimated. While these complaints decrease quality of life, they may not be discussed during clinic visits. People with MS (pwMS) may not be referred to appropriate care. We therefore investigated the prevalence, nature and associations of visual complaints of pwMS. METHODS: We performed a cohort study with a comparison group. PwMS (n = 493) and healthy controls (n = 661) filled out the Screening Visual Complaints questionnaire (SVCq). Primary outcomes were the percentage of pwMS and controls that reported the 19 complaints, and total scores of the SVCq. We also compared the scores on the SVCq between different groups of pwMS. RESULTS: In general, the complaints were reported more often by pwMS than by controls. PwMS especially reported experiencing complaints 'often/always', while controls reported the complaints primarily 'sometimes'. PwMS with and without a history of optic neuritis showed similar complaints. PwMS with a longer disease duration and those with SPMS reported more complaints. EDSS score and disease duration only showed a limited association with discomfort of visual complaints. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of visual complaints among pwMS is high and any person with MS may experience a wide array of different visual complaints anywhere along the disease course, regardless of a history of optic neuritis. Using the SVCq may help detect pwMS' visual complaints and may facilitate referrals to appropriate care.
Authors: Fleur E van der Feen; Gera A de Haan; Iris van der Lijn; Anselm B M Fuermaier; Thea J Heersema; Jan F Meilof; Joost Heutink Journal: J Patient Rep Outcomes Date: 2022-04-09