National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

Associations Between Self-Reported Visual and Hearing Functioning and Cognitive Function Among Hispanics/Latino: Hispanic Community Health Study.

To investigate the associations between self-reported visual functioning (VF) and hearing functioning with cognition in the Hispanic/Latino population. We utilized data from the Miami Ocular Study of Latinos ancillary study to Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos with 1,056 participants aged 45 and older. The outcomes were cognitive performances assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Word Fluency, Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test-recall (B-SEVLT recall), words recalled over 3 trials, and the Six-Item Screener. VF was measured by National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), and hearing function was measured by Hearing Handicap Inventory Screening Questionnaire for Adults and Elderly (HHIA/E-S). Multiple regressions were performed for each cognitive outcome while controlling for covariates and complex sampling design. NEI-VFQ was associated with 3 of the 5 cognitive outcomes. A 4-point NEI-VFQ score difference was associated with a 0.56-point difference in DSST (standard error [SE] = 0.27, p < .001), 0.17 in Word fluency (SE = 0.16, p < .01), and 0.08 in B-SEVLT-recall (SE = 0.07, p < .01). HHIA/E-S was not associated with any of the cognitive measures examined. These data suggest that impaired VF is associated with worse cognition in the Hispanic/Latino population. Although previous work in this cohort indicated hearing loss assessed by pure tone audiometry was associated with worse cognition, we found self-perceived hearing function was not associated with cognition, suggesting the potential limitation of self-reported hearing function as a proxy for hearing loss in epidemiological research in Hispanic/Latino populations. Results also imply impaired VF and hearing function may be linked to cognition differently in the Hispanic population, and more research is needed to better understand the underlying linking mechanisms. Visual and hearing impairments are common and treatable and represent important modifiable risk factors that can be treated to preserve cognitive function in Hispanics/Latinos.

Vision-Related Quality of Life Among Healthy, Preperimetric Glaucoma, and Perimetric Glaucoma Patients

To investigate the association of vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) with the central visual field and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in healthy control participants, patients with preperimetric glaucoma, and patients with perimetric glaucoma. Retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 39 healthy, 34 preperimetric glaucoma, and 145 perimetric glaucoma patients completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). A linear mixed-effect models was used to investigate the association between the glaucoma stage as measured by binocular 10-2 visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) and GCC thickness with the Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ score. A total of 436 eyes from 218 participants (mean age=67.2 [95% CI=65.1 to 69.2] years) were enrolled. VRQOL calculated by the NEI-VFQ Rasch-calibrated score was worst for patients with perimetric glaucoma (50.7 [95% CI=47.2 to 54.2]), followed by patients with preperimetric glaucoma (41.2 [95% CI=34.5 to 47.9]) and healthy controls (29.3 [95% CI=24.0 to 34.7]. Worse VRQOL had a moderate association with a worse global binocular 10-2 VFMS (-3.4 [95% CI=-5.0 to -1.9] dB per 1 score; P < .001; adjusted R2=0.27), but not with a thinner global GCC in the better eye (-0.1 [95% CI=-0.2 to 0.1] µm per 1 score; P =.0485; adjusted R2=0.17). These findings suggest that patients with perimetric and preperimetric glaucoma have worse VRQOL than patients with healthy eyes. As compared to macular thickness measurements, the central visual field is more strongly associated with VRQOL and may better help to identify patients in need of intervention.

Central geographic atrophy vs. neovascular age-related macular degeneration: differences in longitudinal vision-related quality of life.

Prior studies of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) have examined advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a single group or focused on neovascular AMD (nAMD), even though advanced AMD can refer to either central geographic atrophy (GA) or nAMD. We compared the natural progression of VRQoL in central GA versus nAMD. We included Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) participants with central GA (n = 206) or nAMD (n = 198) who completed the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) between 1997 and 2005. The rate of change of VRQoL was calculated as the slopes of linear models fit to longitudinal individual-level NEI-VFQ scores. Multivariable regressions identified factors associated with experiencing a decline in VRQoL during the study period and cross-sectional VRQoL score. There was a minor decline in VRQoL prior to the development of nAMD but a significantly steeper decline after progression to nAMD (0.49 ± 2.91 vs. 3.30 ± 5.58 NEI-VFQ units/year; p < 0.001). The rates of VRQoL decline were similar before and after the development of central GA (1.99 ± 4.97 vs. 1.68 ± 4.65 NEI-VFQ units/year; p = 0.66). Prior to the development of advanced AMD, the rate of VRQoL decline was greater for participants destined to develop central GA versus nAMD (p = 0.007), while postprogression to advanced disease, the rate was greater in nAMD compared with central GA (p = 0.012). Female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-5.06; p = 0.003) and higher baseline VRQoL score (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06; p = 0.006) were independently associated with experiencing a longitudinal decline in VRQoL. The natural progression of VRQoL differed in central GA versus nAMD, both before and after the development of advanced disease, suggesting that future studies should consider separating these phenotypes. Females and those with a higher baseline VRQoL were more likely to experience a longitudinal decline in VRQoL following progression to advanced AMD.

Investigation of Visual System Involvement in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 14

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA-PRKCG, formerly SCA14) is a rare, slowly progressive disorder caused by conventional mutations in protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ). The disease usually manifests with ataxia, but previous reports suggested PRKCG variants in retinal pathology. To systematically investigate for the first time visual function and retinal morphology in patients with SCA-PRKCG. Seventeen patients with PRKCG variants and 17 healthy controls were prospectively recruited, of which 12 genetically confirmed SCA-PRKCG patients and 14 matched controls were analyzed. We enquired a structured history for visual symptoms. Vision-related quality of life was obtained with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) including the Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (NOS). Participants underwent testing of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, and retinal morphology with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Measurements of the SCA-PRKCG group were analyzed for their association with clinical parameters (ataxia rating and disease duration). SCA-PRKCG patients rate their vision-related quality of life in NEI-VFQ significantly worse than controls. Furthermore, binocular visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were worse in SCA-PRKCG patients compared with controls. Despite this, none of the OCT measurements differed between groups. NEI-VFQ and NOS composite scores were related to ataxia severity. Additionally, we describe one patient with a genetic variant of uncertain significance in the catalytic domain of PKCγ who, unlike all confirmed SCA-PRKCG, presented with a clinically silent epitheliopathy. SCA-PRKCG patients had reduced binocular vision and vision-related quality of life. Since no structural retinal damage was found, the pathomechanism of these findings remains unclear.

Visual outcomes following Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for corneal endothelial dysfunction.

To assess objective and subjective visual outcomes achieved by patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction who have undergone surgical treatment with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). A total of 40 eyes of 36 patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction underwent DSAEK. All were followed up for 1 year. Visual acuity (VA; logMAR), mean endothelial cell density (MCD; via noncontact specular microscopy), and topography assessment were performed at baseline (preoperatively). Visual acuity and topography measurement were repeated at postoperative year 1. Subjective assessment of visual quality was evaluated using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Preoperative best-corrected VA (BCVA) was 1.29 ± 0.53 logMAR with mean optical correction of -0.33 ± 1.74 D. Postoperative BCVA, assessed after a mean of 10.8 ± 2.1 months, showed mean line gain of 7.11 ± 4.8 logMAR, with optical correction of +1.17 ± 1.54 D. Mean 6-month postoperative pachymetry was 598.2 ± 72.3 µm. Three patients experienced premature graft detachment, requiring repositioning via injection of a sterile air bubble. No other adverse events were observed. Significant improvement (p<.05 for all) in general, near, and far vision, ocular pain, difficulty in carrying out daily tasks, dependency, social life, and mental health were reflected by NEI-VFQ scores at 10.4 ± 2.1 months postoperatively versus preoperatively. No significant correlation was noted between postoperative VA line gain and NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire score (p>0.05). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty treatment may restore corneal clarity, improve VA, and increase vision-related quality of life in patients with advanced endothelial dysfunction. Further large-scale study is needed to corroborate these findings.

American Society of Anesthesiologists classification in cataract surgery: Results from the Ophthalmic Surgery Outcomes Data Project

To explore the association of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification with cataract surgery outcomes. Five Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, United States. Retrospective observational cohort study. The study analyzed the outcomes of cataract surgery cases. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), unanticipated events, and vision-related quality of life (VRQL) were assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), comparing ASA classes I through IV. For some analyses, ASA classes I and II were designated as Group A and ASA classes III and IV were designated Group B. Of the 4923 cases, 875 (17.8%) were in Group A, 4032 (81.9%) were in Group B, and 16 (0.3%) had missing data. The mean CDVA and mean composite NEI-VFQ score improved after cataract surgery in both groups (P<.0001); however, Group A had a better mean postoperative CDVA and postoperative VFQ composite scores than Group B (P<.0001, both outcomes). A higher ASA class was associated with an increased risk for 2 unanticipated events; that is, clinically significant macular edema (CSME) (Group A: 4 [0.47%] versus Group B: 50 [1.28%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-13.05; P=0.04) and readmission to the hospital within 30days (2 [0.23%] versus 56 [1.41%]; OR, 8.26; 95% CI, 1.71-148.62; P=.004) CONCLUSIONS: Among United States veterans, the ASA classification could be an important predictor of VRQL and visual outcomes. In this cohort, it was associated with an increased risk for 2serious unanticipated events-CSME and readmission to the hospital-both costly, unwanted outcomes. Dr. Vollman is a consultant to Forsight Vision5. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Impact of corneal cross-linking combined with photorefractive keratectomy on blurring strength.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of corneal cross-linking combined with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on blurring strength.MethodsA total of 63 patients with keratoconus were recruited for this study, and two study groups were formed according to the therapeutic intervention: corneal collagen cross-linking (CxL) group (33 patients) received corneal cross-linking according to the Dresden protocol, while the rest additionally received topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (tCxL). The impact of surgical procedure on blurring strength was assessed by power vector analysis. Potential association between blurring strength and vision-specific quality of life was assessed using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) 25 instrument.ResultsBlurring strength presented excellent correlation with NEI-VFQ scores both preoperatively and postoperatively (all P<0.01). Both groups demonstrated nonsignificant changes in best-corrected visual acuity; however, only the tCxL group had significant reduction in blurring strength (13.48+10.86 [preoperative], 4.26+7.99 [postoperative], P=0.042).ConclusionOnly the combined treatment (tCxL) resulted in significant reduction in blurring strength. Moreover, the excellent correlation of blurring strength with NEI-VFQ scores indicates its reliability as an index of self-reported quality of life in keratoconus, since it seems to address the nonsignificant changes in best-corrected visual acuity following CxL treatments that are conceived as subjective improvement by the patient.

Assessment of Vision-Related Quality of Life in Dry Eye Patients

To determine vision-related quality of life (QoL) measured with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) in dry eye patients, and establish potential correlations with the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scales (SAS), the Zung Self Rating Depression Scales (SDS), ocular surface parameters, and sociodemographic measures. The comparative study included 87 dry eye patients and 71 healthy volunteers who visited the department of ophthalmology, Eye and Ear Nose and Throat (EENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China, between June 2009 and December 2009. Surveys were administered to participants to evaluate their sociodemographic characteristics and disease-related factors. Data collected from the NEI-VFQ and OSDI survey instruments were analyzed to identify potential differences between the dry eye group and the control group. Correlations with sociodemographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and psychological status were evaluated. Compared with the control group, our patient group had lower (worse) NEI-VFQ scores for the subscales of general health, general vision, ocular pain, short distance vision activities, long distance vision activities, vision related social function, vision related mental health, vision related role difficulties, vision related dependency, and driving (all P < 0.05), and higher (worse) OSDI composite and subscale scores of ocular symptoms, vision-related function, and environmental triggers (all P < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between QoL scores and patient anxiety and depression levels. Vision-related QoL in dry eye patients was impaired and was correlated with anxiety and depression, further implicating this condition as an important public health problem deserving increased attention and resources.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Sham vs No-Treatment Controls From Randomized Trials

To compare 2-year changes from baseline scores on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) between similar participants assigned to sham and no-treatment control arms in randomized clinical trials of treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. We retrospectively matched sham controls from a randomized trial to no-treatment controls (no sham or placebo) from another trial on 7 baseline prognostic criteria. Two-year changes in overall and subscale scores were compared using data from those who had 2-year interviews and also using the last follow-up observation carried forward to impute missing 2-year interview scores. A match to a no-treatment control on all 7 criteria was identified for 62 of 238 sham controls. Among the 42 matched pairs of controls interviewed at 2 years, no important difference in 2-year change in NEI-VFQ scores overall or by subscale was observed. Findings were similar for the 56 matched pairs of controls who could be analyzed for 2-year changes in scores using the method of last follow-up observation carried forward. Findings from this retrospective matched-pairs analysis suggest that sham treatment to mask patient participants in clinical trials may be unnecessary when patient-reported outcomes are of interest and standard instruments are administered by interviewers masked to treatment assignment. This analysis, together with our earlier analysis of visual acuity outcomes, questions the necessity for sham (placebo) controls in randomized clinical trials in ophthalmology when other methods to minimize outcome assessment bias are incorporated into the design.

Quality of Life in Sarcoidosis: Comparing the Impact of Ocular and Non-ocular Involvement of the Disease

Purpose: To compare the differences in vision and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of individuals with ocular and non-ocular sarcoidosis; and to examine the impact of specific demographic and clinical factors on the noted differences.Methods: A cross-sectional study using non-randomized prospective cohort was conducted at the National Eye Institute (protocol number: 06-EI-0239, NCT00379275) from August 31, 2006 until November 15, 2007. Each participant completed vision and HRQOL questionnaires, the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire (SHQ) and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), along with a demographic/environmental exposure survey. Clinical data were collected through an ophthalmic exam as part of the research protocol.Results: The study enrolled 75 biopsy-proven and 20 clinically presumed sarcoidosis participants which were divided into two cohorts, ocular (N = 60) and non-ocular groups (N = 35). The ocular group had significantly lower (P < 0.01) total NEI-VFQ scores compared to the non-ocular group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that participants with ocular sarcoidosis who had an annual household income of < $50,000 (P < 0.01) had significantly lower total SHQ scores while participants with ocular sarcoidosis whose visual acuity was 20/100 or worse had significantly lower total NEI-VFQ scores (P = 0.03).Conclusions: Ocular involvement impacts both overall and vision-related quality of life among sarcoidosis patients. Lower economic status appears to have a significant impact on the quality of life of sarcoidosis patients. Assessment of visual function and general health status provide pertinent information for individuals with sarcoidosis and should be included in their care to assess burden of their disease on their quality of life.

Quality of Life in Keratoconus Patients After Penetrating Keratoplasty

To determine vision-related quality of life (QoL) measured with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) in keratoconus (KCN) patients who have undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 1 or both eyes and to compare the results of our study to those of historical controls. Clinical-based, cross-sectional study. Wills Eye Institute, Cornea Service, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This study included 149 consecutive patients who had undergone PK for KCN. Between June 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, the NEI-VFQ was administered to 149 patients. The relationship between demographic and clinical factors and NEI-VFQ subscale scores was evaluated. Vision-related quality of life. Eighty-three of 149 patients (55.7%) were male. Approximately half of the patients (76/149; 51.0%) had PK in both eyes. Visual acuity with current correction in the better eye was better than 20/40 in 80% of patients (119/149). Our sample had significantly lower (worse) NEI-VFQ scores compared to Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) historical control group for the subscales of role difficulties, dependency, driving, and peripheral vision. In general, scores of our sample were between scores of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) category 3 and 4. Patients with visual acuity better than 20/40 (in the better eye) showed significantly higher scores in all subscales except color vision. There was a significant relationship between minimum time since the graft of 5 years or greater and NEI-VFQ overall score better than AMD category 3 (P = .004). Despite satisfactory results on visual outcome measures obtained after PK, vision-related QoL in KCN patients remains impaired.

Parafoveal vision impairments and their influence on reading performance and self-evaluated reading abilities

Patients with homonymous hemianopic field defects (HFD) after postchiasmatic cerebral brain injuries often complain about impairments in daily life activities, particularly problems in reading, and show considerable reductions of vision-related quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the relation of "objective" reading performance and self-reported "subjective" reading abilities; it was further investigated whether parafoveal HFD characteristics have an impact on both parameters. In postchiasmatic-lesioned subjects with HFD (n = 43), "objective" reading performance was measured with Radner-Reading-Charts (reading speed, reading acuity). Vision-related QoL was assessed by the National-Eye-Institute-Visual-Function-Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ). Four reading-relevant NEI-VFQ items that assessed "subjective" reading abilities were separately analyzed. Macular sparing measures were derived from campimetry (+/-16 degrees vertical, +/-21.5 degrees horizontal); i.e., the vertical HFD border between +/-2 degrees and the proportion of intact parafoveal visual field within the "reading window". Since macular sparing may be a perimetric artefact, eye movements during campimetry were recorded in 26 subjects. Mean reading speed of the total sample (90.72 +/- 33.96 words per minute) was considerably reduced, as was the patients' vision-related QoL, which was revealed by diminished NEI-VFQ scores. Reading acuity was 0.12 +/- 0.13 LogRAD (0.81 +/- 0.26 according to the decimal system). There were significant but weak correlations between reading acuity and speed with all reading-relevant NEI-VFQ-items (r-range, reading acuity: -0.57 to -0.38, reading speed: 0.33 to 0.43) and 7/12 NEI-VFQ-subscales (r-range, reading acuity: -0.47 to -0.33, reading speed: 0.31 to 0.40). The intact parafoveal visual field correlated significantly with 2/4 reading-related NEI-VFQ-items and with 4/12 NEI-VFQ-subscales (r-range 0.31 to 0.52). Reading acuity and mean reading speed were both correlated with fixation accuracy during campimetry (r = -0.38 and 0.45). Correlations of spared areas between +2 degrees to -2 degrees and the relative and absolute defect HFD border with reading speed, but not reading acuity, tended to significance. Subjects deviated from the campimetric fixation mark in a SD-range of +/-5.2 degrees vertically and +/-6.5 degrees horizontally but eye movement ranges were not correlated with macular sparing measures. Patients with HFD showed severely reduced reading speed, which was reflected in subjectively diminished reading performance, and reduced reading-related QoL parameters. Larger areas of functionally intact parafoveal vision were associated with better reading performance. Although eye movements occurred during campimetry, these did not seem to constitute an artificially enlarged area of parafoveal intact vision.

Contrasting the Use of 2 Vision-specific Quality of Life Questionnaires in Subjects With Open-angle Glaucoma

To compare 2 vision-specific functional status measures to each other and to clinical parameters in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS). CIGTS participants completed the Visual Activities Questionnaire (VAQ) and the National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) and were tested for visual field (VF) and visual acuity (VA). In all, 426 subjects contributed the VAQ and NEI-VFQ scores at 54 months. Pearson correlations were used to assess associations. The VAQ subscales (range, 0 to 100) that assessed light-dark adaptation (mean=66.1), glare disability (66.4), and acuity/spatial vision (67.7) indicated vision-related functions that CIGTS participants found most difficult. On the NEI-VFQ, subjects reported high levels of visual functioning, with mean >/=90 (out of 100) on the total score and in 9 of 12 subscales. General vision (mean=82.6) received the lowest subscale score. Two subscales common to both questionnaires were highly correlated: VA (r=0.68) and peripheral vision (r=0.77) (both P<0.0001). Correlations between participants' perceptions and clinical measures of visual function were in the expected direction, but weaker. Stronger associations were found between clinical measures and the NEI-VFQ than the VAQ. Better eye VF and worse eye VA had the highest number of significant correlations with subjects' perceptions of their visual function. Increasing VF loss was associated with a significant decrease in the overall and peripheral vision subscale scores from both questionnaires, and also several other subscales. CIGTS patients reported excellent visual function on both the NEI-VFQ and VAQ. These findings will help researchers interested in assessing patients' perceptions of their visual function make an informed selection when choosing between the VAQ and the NEI-VFQ.

Depression and the vision-related quality of life in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Aims:To assess the relationship between depression and the vision-related quality of life in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Methods:The study included 144 patients diagnosed as having RP. The mean age of...

Changes in the Quality-of-Life of People with Keratoconus

The Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus Study (CLEK) previously showed that people with keratoconus report significantly impaired vision-related quality-of-life (V-QoL), as measured on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), similar to that of people who have severe macular degeneration. For this study, we evaluated changes that occurred in V-QoL over seven years of follow-up. In this prospective cohort study of 1,166 participants followed up for seven years, we estimated change in V-QoL by projecting the slope of a minimum of three reports on 11 scales of the NEI-VFQ. Correlation with clinical indicators was evaluated, and differences were assessed between those who had clinically significant changes in clinical factors and those who did not. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with a decline in 10 points or more in a scale score over seven years. All scales showed modest decline except ocular pain and mental health. Baseline factors were not associated with longitudinal change in NEI-VFQ scores. A 10-letter decline in high-contrast binocular visual acuity or a 3.00-diopter increase in corneal curvature were associated with significantly larger declines in V-QoL. In multivariate analysis, these factors also were found to be associated with a 10-point decline in NEI-VFQ scale scores. Keratoconus is associated with significantly impaired V-QoL that continues to decline over time. For a substantial plurality of patients, these declines are significant.

Evaluation of Minimum Clinically Meaningful Changes in Scores on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) SST Report Number 19

Purpose: To evaluate responsiveness of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) to changes in visual acuity and to provide estimates of minimum clinically meaningful changes in NEI-VFQ scores. Methods: Data were combined from three clinical trials of submacular surgery for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Patients who completed NEI-VFQ interviews and visual acuity measurements at baseline and 2 years later contributed data for analysis. Data were analyzed using anchor-based (relating 2-year change in NEI-VFQ to 2-year change in visual acuity using correlation and linear regression) and distribution-based (standardized response mean) methods. Results: Of 1,015 patients enrolled, 828 patients completed NEI-VFQ interviews and had visual acuity measurements at baseline and 2 years later. Median age of patients was 75 years (range 18 to 94); all patients had subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in at least one eye. Median overall NEI-VFQ score at baseline was 69.9 (mean, 66.5). Based on anchor-based methods, a 2-line change in visual acuity of the better-seeing eye translated to a 3.4-point change in the overall NEI-VFQ score and from 2.4-point to 7.0-point changes in most subscale scores. The NEI-VFQ was sensitive to both gains and losses in visual acuity; the standardized response mean for the overall NEI-VFQ score in patients with a 2-line gain was 0.6 and for patients with 2-line loss was −0.3. In the subgroup of patients with a 2-line loss of visual acuity in the better-seeing eye, patients who had overall NEI-VFQ scores at baseline greater than the median (59.8) had an standardized response mean of −0.9 for the overall NEI-VFQ score and patients who had overall NEI-VFQ scores at baseline at or below the median had a standardized response mean of 0.2 for the overall NEI-VFQ score. A 4-point change in the overall NEI-VFQ and a 5-point change in individual subscale scores corresponded to a small clinically meaningful change. Conclusions: The NEI-VFQ was responsive to 2-year changes in visual acuity but was less responsive to changes among patients with poorer NEI-VFQ scores at baseline. Based on this analysis, a 4-point change in the overall NEI-VFQ and a 5-point change in individual subscale scores may be considered minimum clinically meaningful within-person changes in NEI-VFQ scores.

Is the NEI-VFQ-25 a useful tool in identifying visual impairment in an elderly population?

BackgroundThe use of self-report questionnaires to substitute for visual acuity measurement has been limited. We examined the association between visual impairment and self reported visual function in a population sample of older people in the UK.MethodsCross sectional study of people aged more than 75 years who initially participated in a trial of health screening. The association between 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) scores and visual impairment (defined as an acuity of less than 6/18 in the better eye) was examined using logistic regression.ResultsVisual acuity and NEI-VFQ scores were obtained from 1807 participants (aged 77 to 101 years, 36% male), from 20 general practices throughout the UK. After adjustment for age, gender, practice and NEI-VFQ sub-scale scores, those complaining of poor vision in general were 4.77 times (95% CI 3.03 to 7.53) more likely to be visually impaired compared to those who did not report difficulty. Self-reported limitations with social functioning and dependency on others due to poor vision were also associated with visual impairment (odds ratios, 2.52, 95% CI 1.55 to 4.11; 1.73, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.86 respectively). Those reporting difficulties with near vision and colour vision were more likely to be visually impaired (odds ratios, 2.32, 95% CI 1.30 to 4.15; 2.25, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.73 respectively). Other NEI-VFQ sub-scale scores were unrelated to measures of acuity. Similar but weaker odds ratios were found with reduced visual acuity (defined as less than 6/12 in the better eye). Although differences in NEI-VFQ scores were small, scores were strongly associated with visual acuity, binocular status, and difference in acuity between eyes.ConclusionNEI-VFQ questions regarding the quality of general vision, social functioning, visual dependency, near vision and colour vision are strongly and independently associated with an objective measure of visual impairment in an elderly population.

Quality of life and visual rehabilitation: an observational study of low vision in three general practices in West Glamorgan

To survey low vision in an urban population and assess impact on quality of life, rehabilitation and support. In a cross-sectional population survey, 66 patients were identified from databases of three general practices and surveyed by investigator administered questionnaire. Main outcome measures were ocular diagnoses, (US) National Eye Institute Visual Function-Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) scores assessing visual and nonvisual disability, eligibility for, awareness and receipt of rehabilitation and support. Of 24,420 individuals on the lists of the three study practices, we found 101 registered as blind or partially sighted (prevalence 0.41%). A total of 66 patients participated with ocular diseases of age-related macular degeneration 39 (59%), glaucoma 11 (17%), diabetic retinopathy two (3%), retinitis pigmentosa two (3%), and 12 (18%) 'others'. Better eye visual acuity was counting fingers or worse in 32 (48.5%). NEI-VFQ scores were poor-overall mean 41.5% (SD 23.5). In all, 80% had a social services home visit with one-third of these still in contact. In all, 66% had undergone a low vision aid assessment and 57.6% of these used their aid. The awareness and receipt of benefits arising from registration as visually impaired were lower than for other supportive measures available for reasons unrelated to vision. None had a guide dog. We found expected patterns of low vision but poorer levels of function and support that may reflect age and deprivation in a population failed by the current systems for identification, registration, and rehabilitation based on legislation overtaken by demographic change and social provision independent of visual status.

Responsiveness of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire to Progression to Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Vision Loss, and Lens Opacity

To describe the ability of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) to detect meaningful change over time (responsiveness) to the primary Age-Related Eye Disease Study outcomes. The 25-item NEI-VFQ plus appendix was administered at 2 visits at 1- to 4-year intervals to 4119 participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Events evaluated were progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), visual acuity (VA) loss of at least 15 letters, and lens opacity progression. Responsiveness was measured by the t statistic, effect size (ES), responsiveness statistic, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variance components were used to estimate the contributions of events to variability of the NEI-VFQ score. Overall NEI-VFQ score was responsive to AMD progression (t = 14.0; P< .001; ES = 0.81) and VA (t = 16.2; P< .001; ES = 0.74). Mean changes ranged from 11 to 25 points for the subscales of general vision, near and distance activities, social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, dependency, and driving. The NEI-VFQ was unresponsive to lens opacity progression, although when the event occurred in the eye with the best vision at the first administration, the lens opacity ES was moderate for the color vision (ES = 0.62) and driving subscales (ES = 0.66). Progression to advanced AMD and VA loss contributed significantly to the variation in the mean difference in overall VFQ score. Changes in the NEI-VFQ overall and subscale scores of 10 points or more are associated with clinically significant changes in vision and AMD. This finding may assist the design of interventional studies of AMD and VA loss that include the NEI-VFQ as an outcome measure.

Surgical Removal vs Observation for Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization,Either Associated With the Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome or Idiopathic

To report findings regarding health-related quality-of-life outcomes by treatment arm, both overall and within subgroups defined by selected baseline characteristics, among patients who participated in the Submacular Surgery Trials (SST) randomized trial of observation vs surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascular lesions that were either idiopathic or associated with ocular histoplasmosis (SST Group H Trial). Eligible patients were 18 years or older and had subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (including a classic component on fluorescein angiography) and visual acuity of 20/50 to 20/800 inclusive in the eye randomly assigned to surgery or observation. Trained interviewers, who were masked to treatment assignment, administered the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) by telephone before enrollment and at 6, 12, and 24 months after enrollment; early enrollees also had interviews at 36 and 48 months. Baseline clinical examinations provided data regarding visual acuity, other aspects of vision, and presence of unilateral or bilateral choroidal neovascularization. Of 225 patients interviewed at baseline and enrolled, 201, 190, and 161 patients (respectively, 89%, 85%, and 88% of those eligible to be interviewed) were interviewed 12, 24, and 36 months later. The NEI-VFQ scores in both treatment arms improved from baseline (median score, 75) to the 24-month interview. Patients in the surgery arm had 4-point larger improvements, on average, than patients in the observation arm (95% confidence interval, 1-8 points). The largest differences between treatment arms for mean 24-month improvements from baseline were in the role difficulties subscale (9 points) and dependency subscale (8 points), with larger mean improvements in the surgery arm. Scores on the SF-36 worsened by approximately 1 point on the physical component summary and improved by 2 points or more on the mental component summary in both treatment arms by 24 months in comparison to baseline. The percentage of HADS-defined "definite cases" of both anxiety and depression declined from baseline in each treatment arm. Vision-targeted quality of life improved more after submacular surgery than with observation, supporting a possible small overall benefit of surgery suggested by the ophthalmic outcomes reported elsewhere. Ophthalmologists and patients similar to those who participated in the SST Group H Trial should be aware of the effects of submacular surgery on specific aspects of vision-targeted quality of life as well as on ophthalmic outcomes when considering this treatment approach.