Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients Suffering from Myopia or its Long-Term Consequences: A Cross-sectional Survey Protocol

BackgroundMyopia, commonly referred to as near-sightedness, is the most common ocular disorder worldwide. If left untreated, high myopia in children can lead to serious eye diseases in adulthood. To mitigate the risk of long-term complications, it is essential to implement interventions aimed at slowing the progression of myopia. To evaluate the value of such interventions, cost-effectiveness models need to be developed. In cost-effectiveness models, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often expressed as a "utility value". However, the literature on utility value in relation to myopia severity and its complications is very limited. ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate HRQoL and utility values of myopia in both childhood and adulthood, to provide input for cost-effectiveness models and ultimately enhance access to myopia treatments. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study that will invite patients from hospitals to complete an online survey across seven countries (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Sweden), with a minimum of 50 patients from each country (n=350). Participants include proxies of children diagnosed with myopia and adults suffering from myopia and related long-term complications. The survey will include closed-ended questions for validated instruments that assess HRQoL, functioning, and healthcare utilization. These include the EQ-5D-Y-3L, EQ-5D-5L, with bolt-on for "vision", PedEyeQ, and NEI-VFQ-25. Results and disseminationData collection is scheduled to start in June 2025, with results expected by Q4 2025. Results aimed to be published as open access in peer-reviewed high-impact journals. ConclusionThe data collected will be used to evaluate the impact of myopia on HRQoL, inform health economic models, and enhance access to myopia treatments.