Purpose

A retrospective cohort study examining long-term disease progression and visual loss in Birdshot Chorioretinopathy (BCR) amongst an Irish patient group in the Royal Victoria Eye & Ear Hospital, Dublin (RVEEH). We also aim to evaluate quality of life (QoL) parameters using a validated and patient-centred questionnaires for BCR.

Methods

22 BCR patients were identified via database chart review and were invited to take part in 2 QoL questionnaires – The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25) & a supplementary BCR specific QoL Questionnaire. Further chart analysis and examination of multimodal imaging, electrophysiology (ERG) and clinical correlates were conducted on those 16 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Results

The response rate to the QoL questionnaires employed was 95.5% (n = 21). The NEI VFQ-25 mean composite score for the 21 patients was 72.81. Visual complaints amongst our cohort included; Floaters (81%), Nyctalopia (62%), Blurred vision (52%), Dyschromatopsia (38%), Photopsia (33%). Driving, reported in 61.9% of cases, was the most common activity negatively affected.

Conclusions

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a chronic posterior uveitis with a substantial risk of permanent visual loss. Our study evaluating impact on QoL is in keeping with similar studies, highlighting a significant disease burden, including medication side-effects.