Quality of life in glaucoma patients

Glaucoma, as a chronic progressive eye disease that seriously endangers human visual health, has become one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide . The core pathological features of this disease are continuous damage to the optic nerve and progressive apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells, ultimately resulting in visual field defects and decreased vision. According to epidemiological survey data, the global prevalence of glaucoma is increasing year by year, especially with a significantly higher incidence among the elderly population. The growth is particularly remarkable in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa From a pathophysiological perspective, the pathogenesis of glaucoma mainly involves multiple complex pathological processes such as increased intraocular pressure, optic nerve microcirculation disorders, oxidative stress responses, and imbalance in the regulation of neurotrophic factors . Current research shows that intraocular pressure is a key risk factor for the development of glaucoma, but a single increase in intraocular pressure cannot fully explain the entire mechanism of optic nerve damage. In recent years, neuroprotection and nerve repair strategies have become key areas in glaucoma research, providing a new theoretical basis and potential intervention pathways for clinical treatment. Quality of Life (QoL) plays a crucial role in the management of glaucoma. The traditional medical model focuses on physiological indicators and organ functions, while the modern medical perspective emphasizes the overall experience and psychosocial adaptation of patients . The challenges faced by glaucoma patients go far beyond the degradation of visual function and also involve multiple dimensions such as daily living ability, social interaction, mental health, and career development. For progressive optic nerve diseases such as glaucoma, quality of life assessment goes far beyond simple medical indicators. It is a comprehensive assessment process that is multidimensional and dynamic, not only reflecting the physiological state of patients but also presenting a deeper impact of the disease on personal life more comprehensively. From visual function to mental state, from social ability to career development, quality of life assessment provides a more comprehensive and in-depth clinical reference for the medical team. In medical practice, the significance of quality of life assessment lies in its ability to guide personalized treatment strategies. Through systematic assessment, the medical team can accurately identify the patient's dysfunction points, formulate more targeted intervention plans, and adjust treatment strategies in a timely manner. This patient-centered medical service model embodies the core concept of humanistic care in modern medicine. For chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma, quality of life assessment has unique dynamic monitoring value. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, regular quality of life assessment can track the disease progression trajectory, predict potential risks of functional decline, and provide necessary psychological and social support in a timely manner. This is not only medical intervention but also continuous attention and support for the overall life state of patients. In nursing practice, quality of life assessment has become an important indicator for measuring the quality of medical services. It not only reflects the clinical effect of treatment but also demonstrates the humanistic value and social responsibility of medical services. The future development direction of chronic eye disease management will surely pay more attention to the comprehensive, personalized, and dynamic assessment of quality of life and strive to build a holistic medical service system centered on patient needs.