Validity and reliability study for the NEI‐VFO‐39 scale in chronic ophthalmic diseases – Turkish version

Abstract

To test the reliability and validity of National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-39) in patients with glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The study was carried out on 210 patients and 51 control subjects. The data were collected by using a data collection form and NEI-VFQ-39. Statistical analyses were performed with spss for Windows version 15.0. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.96 for the whole group. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was between 0.97 and 0.56 for the subscales. There was a strong relationship (r > 0.80) in 12.8% with dual correlation in NEI-VFQ-39 global scales and subscales and their correlations in all participant groups. There was a statistically significant difference for the NEI-VFn global and subscale scores between the control and patient groups except for general health and ocular pain. We found that the NEI-VFQ-39 was a valid and reliable scale to determine the quality of life in Turkish patients with chronic ophthalmic disease.