The Effect of Vision-Related Quality of Life on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Behçet Uveitis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of vision-related quality of life on depression and anxiety in patients with Behçet uveitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) I-II, and the Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ)-25 were used to evaluate 105 patients being followed for Behçet uveitis. Sociodemographic data and VFQ-25 scores were compared between the groups with and without depression and anxiety. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variables. RESULTS: Forty-eight (82.8%) men and 10 (17.2%) women who completed the questionnaires were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 37.76±11.14 (18-65) years and the mean duration of uveitis was 8.57±7.43 (1-27) years. The mean VFQ-25 composite, BDI, STAI-I, and STAI-II scores were 74.90±18.50 (18.79-97.04), 10.76±8.90 (0-43), 42.52±6.23 (25-55), and 46.53±6.80 (27-58), respectively. Of 58 patients, 31% had depressive symptoms and 58.6% had anxiety symptoms. VFQ-25 composite score was lower in the depressive group than in the group with no depression (p=0.030), while there was no significant difference in this score between the groups with and without anxiety. Regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between total VFQ-25 composite score and depression. CONCLUSION: In our study, high rates of depression and anxiety were detected in patients with Behçet uveitis. Patient-reported visual functioning was associated with depression. In patients with Behçet uveitis, it is important to evaluate vision-related quality of life as well as visual acuity.