Reduced vision-related quality of life in people living with dystonia

Purpose: Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder with negative impact on function and quality of life. It is currently unclear whether vision-related quality of life is affected. The aim of this study was to determine whether vision-related quality of life is reduced by dystonia. Materials and methods: A vision-related quality of life questionnaire was delivered online to probe visual function in people living with dystonia. Scores for each of six domains were compared to normative data of 819 healthy participants using one sample t-tests. Respondents were divided into two groups based on whether they had botulinum toxin injections and compared using independent samples t-tests. Results: There were 42 completed responses. There was a difference from norm for two domains; ocular symptoms (t(41) = 2.31, p = 0.026) and role performance (t(41) = 2.85, p = 0.007). There was variation in responses for all six domains. No difference in scores for the botulinum toxin injection group was found for either domain (both p > 0.74). Conclusions: Some people with dystonia experience reduced vision-related quality of life, which has potential to contribute to their disability. Health professionals should be aware of vision-related issues when managing people with dystonia and consider appropriate rehabilitative interventions to reduce disability and enhance quality of life.Implications for rehabilitation Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder resulting in abnormal postures and movements. Vision-related quality of life is reduced by dystonia which may contribute to disability and reduced function. Strategies to improve vision-related quality of life should be included in rehabilitation programmes for people living with dystonia.