Does functional assessment predict everyday visual functioning? Visual function testing and quality of life in mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract

To prospectively assess correlations between self-reported vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) and clinical functional assessments in mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cross-sectional analysis of 64 participants with bilateral mild/moderate AMD. Microperimetry (MP), flicker perimetry (FP), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) findings, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the National Eye Institute Visual-Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) were assessed for correlation between clinical testing results and NEI VFQ-25 findings. MP findings in the better eye were weakly correlated with NEI VFQ-25 subscales for colour, general, near and distance vision (p < 0.05 and R2 < 0.3 for all). FP findings and mfERG response density were not correlated with any subscale, apart from mfERG ring 1 response density and general health (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.41). mfERG latency was weakly correlated with general vision in the better eye in rings 2 and 4 (p < 0.05, R2 < 0.2). Functional assessment in mild/moderate AMD is at best, weakly correlated with patient-reported VR-QoL. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of VR-QoL outcomes in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, surrogate markers of these outcomes remain elusive, and testing of VR-QoL in regular clinical settings remains difficult.