The UK National Artificial Eye Questionnaire study: predictors of artificial eye wearers' experience part 1-comfort and satisfaction

Objectives: To report associations with comfort and with appearance satisfaction in artificial eye wearers.

Methods: Multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study, nationwide within the National Health Service England. The National Artificial Eye Questionnaire (NAEQ) was completed by 951 respondents. Multiple regressions assessed associations between the experiences of artificial eye wearers, routine management, changes over time, baseline and demographic parameters and their reported comfort, satisfaction with appearance and prosthesis motility.

Results: Better comfort levels were associated with needing less lubrication (β = 0.24, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.17, p = 0.014), less discharge (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), less frequent cleaning (β = 0.16, p = 0.043), and male gender (β = 0.06, p = 0.047). Greater satisfaction with the appearance of the artificial eye was associated with better perceived motility (β = 0.57, p < 0.001). Black ethnic origin predicted a lower satisfaction with the appearance (β = -0.17, p = 0.001). Greater satisfaction with the motility was associated with a better appearance rating (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), longer time of having an artificial eye (β = 0.13, p < 0.001), older age (β = 0.11, p = 0.042), and a shorter adjustment time (β = -0.07, p = 0.016). Of the testimonials concerning appearance aspects, the majority (21/45, 46.7%) were related to the effect on social interactions.

Conclusions: The results suggest that more attention should be given to the "dry anophthalmic socket syndrome" as a key cause of discomfort. Young patients are concerned particularly about the motility of the artificial eye. Over time satisfaction with the artificial eye movement is likely to improve.