Responsiveness of the SF-36 health survey to changes in visual acuity among patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization

Abstract

*Other members of the subcommittee are: Carol M. Mangione, MD, MSPH (Chair); Eric B. Bass, MD, MPH (Co-Chair); Neil M. Bressler, MD; Li Ming Dong, PhD; Barbara S. Hawkins, PhD; Marta J. Marsh, MS; Päivi H. Miskala, PhD**A listing of all Submacular Surgery Trials Pilot Study investigators and personnel, as well as funding for the Submacular Surgery Trials Pilot Study, appears in: Submacular Surgery Trials Pilot Study Investigators. Submacular Surgery Trials (SST) randomized pilot trial of laser photocoagulation versus surgery for recurrent choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. I. Ophthalmic outcomes. SST Pilot Study Report Number 1. Am J Ophthalmol 2000;130:387–407. PurposeTo report the responsiveness of the SF-36 Health Survey to changes in visual acuity among patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization participating in the Submacular Surgery Trials pilot study. DesignCohort study. MethodsCorrelation analyses were used to explore relationships at each time point, and linear regression was used to determine the relation between the 2-year changes in SF-36 scores and visual acuity. ResultsA weak, but statistically significant, association was found between the 2-year changes in both the Physical Component Summary score and the Physical Functioning subscale with changes in visual acuity of the better eye. No association was found between changes in visual acuity and the Mental Component Summary score or the Mental Health subscale. ConclusionsThe SF-36 summary scales and the individual subscales were minimally responsive to 2-year changes in visual acuity in this subgroup of patients.