Visual Function Questionnaire Research Articles

Near vision in patients with DME and RVO treated with aflibercept and correlation with NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate near and distance visual acuity (VA) and their correlation with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) treated with aflibercept.MethodsIn this prospective study, we included 87 eyes of patients diagnosed with DME (n = 61) and RVO (n = 26), who received aflibercept treatment and were followed until the 8th injection. Near VA was examined on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th injection, and patients completed the NEI VFQ-25 on the 1st, 4th, and 8th aflibercept injection.ResultsThe mean near VA at baseline in all eyes was 0.89 ± 0.12 logMAR. With every administration, there was a statistically significant improvement; on the 4th (0.70 ± 0.19; p = 0.000) and the 8th application (0.60 ± 0.19; p = 0.000). At baseline, the mean NEI VFQ-25 total score was 71 ± 14%, and improved to 81 ± 13% (p = 0.000) on the 8th injection. The most significant score gain was recorded in the near VA subscale (+ 20 ± 14%, p = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between DME and RVO group in the questionnaire or near VA outcomes.ConclusionAflibercept treatment resulted in a remarkable improvement of near vision by 4 lines of logMAR optotype after the 8th application. The near vision questionnaire subscale, initially scoring the lowest, exhibited the greatest gain during the treatment period. This underscores the importance of near vision and reading ability for patients with DME and RVO.

Ophthalmic quality of life in the adult Danish population: an epidemiological study

BackgroundOphthalmic quality of life (OQoL) has been investigated in selected parts of general populations and in patients with ocular disease, but OQoL in unselected general populations has not been studied...

Vision Problems As a Contributor to Lower Engagement in Care Among Aging Men Living with HIV

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate vision impairment as a barrier to engagement in medical care among aging persons living with HIV (PLWH) who experience multimorbidity and complex care needs. Setting Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), a prospective observational cohort of aging PLWH men. Methods We examined relationships of self-reported vision difficulty with indicators of care engagement: 1) adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART; defined as taking ≥95% of medications); 2) self-reported avoidance of medical care; 3) self-reported tendency to ask a doctor questions about care (>2 questions at a medical visit), as well as with quality of life. A modified version of the National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire was administered at three semi-annual visits (from October 2017 to March 2019) to assess difficulty performing vision-dependent tasks. Results We included 1063 PLWH (median age 57 years, 31% Black). Data on care engagement outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures logistic regression with generalized estimating equations adjusted for race, and at visit values for age, education level, depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and smoking status. Compared to no vision difficulty, those reporting moderate to extreme vision difficulty on at least one task had 2.2 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.4, 3.4) of having less than optimal ART adherence, 1.9 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.1, 3.4) of avoiding necessary medical care and median quality of life scores 8 points lower. Conclusion These findings suggest vision impairment decreases medical care engagement including HIV care and quality of life among aging PLWH.

Gene Editing for CEP290-Associated Retinal Degeneration.

CEP290-associated inherited retinal degeneration causes severe early-onset vision loss due to pathogenic variants in CEP290. EDIT-101 is a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing complex designed to treat inherited retinal degeneration caused by a specific damaging variant in intron 26 of CEP290 (IVS26 variant). We performed a phase 1-2, open-label, single-ascending-dose study in which persons 3 years of age or older with CEP290-associated inherited retinal degeneration caused by a homozygous or compound heterozygous IVS26 variant received a subretinal injection of EDIT-101 in the worse (study) eye. The primary outcome was safety, which included adverse events and dose-limiting toxic effects. Key secondary efficacy outcomes were the change from baseline in the best corrected visual acuity, the retinal sensitivity detected with the use of full-field stimulus testing (FST), the score on the Ora-Visual Navigation Challenge mobility test, and the vision-related quality-of-life score on the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (in adults) or the Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (in children). EDIT-101 was injected in 12 adults 17 to 63 years of age (median, 37 years) at a low dose (in 2 participants), an intermediate dose (in 5), or a high dose (in 5) and in 2 children 9 and 14 years of age at the intermediate dose. At baseline, the median best corrected visual acuity in the study eye was 2.4 log10 of the minimum angle of resolution (range, 3.9 to 0.6). No serious adverse events related to the treatment or procedure and no dose-limiting toxic effects were recorded. Six participants had a meaningful improvement from baseline in cone-mediated vision as assessed with the use of FST, of whom 5 had improvement in at least one other key secondary outcome. Nine participants (64%) had a meaningful improvement from baseline in the best corrected visual acuity, the sensitivity to red light as measured with FST, or the score on the mobility test. Six participants had a meaningful improvement from baseline in the vision-related quality-of-life score. The safety profile and improvements in photoreceptor function after EDIT-101 treatment in this small phase 1-2 study support further research of in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to treat inherited retinal degenerations due to the IVS26 variant of CEP290 and other genetic causes. (Funded by Editas Medicine and others; BRILLIANCE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03872479.).

Association of Contrast Sensitivity with Eye Disease and Vision-Related Quality of Life

To investigate contrast sensitivity (CS) as a screening tool to detect eye disease and assess its association with both eye disease and vision-related quality of life. Cross-sectional study METHODS: Setting & Population: Adults receiving care from a free clinic and a Federally Qualified Health Center in Michigan. Screening positive for eye disease and Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) score. Participants received a vision exam reviewed via telemedicine for disease, completed a demographic survey, and the 9-item VFQ. The ability of CS to predict eye disease was explored and area under the curve (AUC) is reported. Logistic and linear regression were used to investigate the continuous effect of CS on the probability of screening positive for eye disease and VFQ score, respectively, adjusting for age and visual acuity. 1159 participants were on average 54.9±14.5 years old, 62% female, 34% White, 54% Black, 10% Hispanic/Latino, and reported mean VFQ score of 79.7±15.3. CS ranged from 0.00-1.95 log units (mean=1.54±0.24), 21% of eyes had glaucoma, 19% cataract, 6% DR, and 2% AMD. AUCs ranged from 0.53 to 0.73. A 0.3 log unit decrease in better eye CS was associated with increased odds of glaucoma (Odds Ratio, OR=1.35, Confidence Interval, CI=1.09-1.67), cataract (OR=1.35, CI=1.05-1.72), DR (OR=2.05, CI=1.51-2.77), and AMD (OR=2.08, CI=1.10-3.91). A 0.3 log unit increase in better eye CS was associated with a 5.9 unit increase in VFQ. While CS alone is not sufficient to identify people with eye disease, it is an important measure of visual function that can add value to comprehensive eye screening.

Patient Experience Survey Of Anti-VEGF Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema.

Understanding patient perspectives of treatment may improve adherence and outcomes. This study explored real-world patient experiences with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This multinational, non-interventional, quantitative, cross-sectional, observational survey assessed treatment barriers/burden, patient-reported visual functioning, and treatment satisfaction in DME and nAMD patients in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. Treatment patterns and visual outcomes were extracted from medical charts. Regression models evaluated relationships between adherence, total missed visits, number of anti-VEGF injections and clinical and patient-reported outcomes for visual functioning. Association between treatment satisfaction and aspects of burden were assessed. The survey was completed by 183 DME and 391 nAMD patients. Patients had moderately high vision-related functioning (25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire score: mean=74.8) and were satisfied with their current treatment (mean total score: Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire=59.2; Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire=61.3). Treatment satisfaction scores were worse with higher time-related impacts of treatment (nAMD/DME), higher impacts on finances and daily life (nAMD), negative impact on employment and lower expectations for treatment effectiveness (DME). Most patients reported ≥1 barrier (66.1% DME, 49.2% nAMD patients) related to treatment (35.0%), clinic (32.6%), and COVID-19 (21.1%). Moreover, 44.9% of patients reported some impairment in activities of daily living. Work absenteeism was observed among >60% of working patients. Nearly one-quarter (24.2%) of patients needed ≥1 day to recover from intravitreal injections; most reported ≥30 minutes of travel time (73.7%) and clinic wait time (54.2%). In unadjusted univariable analyses, treatment adherence (vs non adherence) was related to higher most recent visual acuity (β = 8.98 letters; CI, 1.34-16.62) and lower odds of visual acuity below driving vision (≤ 69 letters) (OR = 0.50; CI, 0.25-1.00) . More durable treatments with reduced frequency of injections/visits may reduce treatment burden and improve patient satisfaction, which may enhance adherence and visual outcomes.

An observation study of the effect of "Internet + Nursing" on psychological status and quality of life of patients with thyroid eye disease.

"Internet + Nursing" refers to medical institutions using Internet technologies and big data to provide nursing services to discharged patients or those with severe illnesses unable to visit hospitals, through online applications and offline care provision. This study aimed to explore the influence of "Internet + Nursing" on the psychological status and quality of life of patients with thyroid eye disease. Sixty-eight patients with thyroid eye disease from January 2021 to December 2022 were divided into a research group (n = 34, joined the platform) and control group (n = 34, not joined the platform) based on their voluntary participation in our hospital's "Internet + Nursing Platform." The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group (P < .05). The short form-36 health survey (SF-36) scores in various dimensions were higher in the research group compared to the control group (P < .05). The incidence rates of retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, diabetic retinopathy, and iris neovascularization were lower in the research group compared to the control group (P < .05). After nursing, exophthalmos, blink frequency, and eyelid height of the research group were lower than those of the control group, while tear film breakup time was higher than that of the control group (P < .05). The visual acuity of the research group was higher than that of the control group (P < .05). After nursing, the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25) scores in various dimensions were significantly higher in the research group than those in the control group (P < .05). Additionally, after nursing, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the research group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05). The patients in the research group exhibited higher recognition scores of nursing compared to those in the control group (P < .05). Through the implementation of "Internet + Nursing" for patients with thyroid eye disease discharged from our hospital, we can provide better out-of-hospital nursing for patients, reduce the occurrence of complications, improve ocular surface symptoms, promote visual acuity recovery, and improve patients' psychological status and quality of life.

Varenicline Solution Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease Following LASIK.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of a varenicline solution nasal spray (VNS) for reducing the signs and symptoms of dry eye following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Subjects electing to undergo LASIK were randomized to VNS (study group) or placebo/vehicle (control group) and initiated treatment with the nasal spray twice daily 28days prior to surgery with continued treatment for 84days following LASIK. After initiation of treatment, subjects were seen on the day of surgery and postoperatively on Days 1, 7, 28, 84 (3months) and 168 (6months). The primary outcome measure was the mean change in NEI-VFQ-25, a 25-item dry eye questionnaire, from baseline to 3months. The second primary outcome measure was the mean change in corneal fluorescein staining. Secondary outcome measures included evaluation of tear break-up time, Schirmer testing, tear osmolarity and eye dryness score (EDS). Twenty subjects were enrolled in each group and successfully underwent LASIK. Both groups demonstrated an improvement in the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ) at 3months. The study group demonstrated improved corneal staining scores at months 1 and 3. Similarly, the study group demonstrated improvement in tear osmolarity scores versus the placebo group at the same time points. Although the study group was numerically greater than placebo for each time point for both corneal staining and tear osmolarity, the differences were not statistically significant for any primary or secondary outcome measures. VNS is a dry eye treatment option for patients following LASIK and may have potential benefit for patients hoping to avoid additional topical medications. The results were not statistically significant compared to placebo in this trial, and further investigation of the use of VNS following LASIK in a larger trial would be beneficial.

Gene replacement therapy in Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy: an open-label, single-arm, exploratory trial

Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy is an inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in CYP4V2, which results in blindness in the working-age population, and there is currently no available treatment. Here, we report the results of the first-in-human clinical trial (NCT04722107) of gene therapy for Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy, including 12 participants who were followed up for 180–365 days. This open-label, single-arm exploratory trial aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a recombinant adeno-associated-virus-serotype-2/8 vector encoding the human CYP4V2 protein (rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2). Participants received a single unilateral subretinal injection of 7.5 × 1010 vector genomes of rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2. Overall, 73 treatment-emergent adverse events were reported, with the majority (98.6%) being of mild or moderate intensity and considered to be procedure- or corticosteroid-related; no treatment-related serious adverse events or local/systemic immune toxicities were observed. Compared with that measured at baseline, 77.8% of the treated eyes showed improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on day 180, with a mean ± standard deviation increase of 9.0 ± 10.8 letters in the 9 eyes analyzed (p = 0.021). By day 365, 80% of the treated eyes showed an increase in BCVA, with a mean increase of 11.0 ± 10.6 letters in the 5 eyes assessed (p = 0.125). Importantly, the patients’ improvement observed using multifocal electroretinogram, microperimetry, and Visual Function Questionnaire-25 further supported the beneficial effects of the treatment. We conclude that the favorable safety profile and visual improvements identified in this trial encourage the continued development of rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2 (named ZVS101e).

Vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma before and after trabeculectomy.

To determine vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) and functional and structural parameters associated with VR-QoL in patients with glaucoma before and 12 months after trabeculectomy. Fifty-eight patients undergoing trabeculectomy were included. Participants completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) prior to and 12 months after trabeculectomy. Functional (visual acuity and visual fields) and structural (ganglion cell layer volume) parameters were evaluated for their association with VR-QoL using multiple linear regression of VFQ-25 subscale scores. Intraocular pressure and the number of glaucoma medications were also included in the analyses. The VFQ-25 composite score did not change after trabeculectomy (before: 74.9; 12 months: 74.0; p = 0.512). The subscale mental health had a significantly higher score 12 months after trabeculectomy (before: 65.6; 12 months: 71.4; p = 0.017). The VFQ-25 scores for general health (before: 68.5; 12 months: 62.5; p = 0.009) and role difficulties (before: 78.9; 12 months: 53.7; p < 0.001) were significantly lower 12 months after trabeculectomy. No functional or structural parameters were associated with VFQ-25 composite score. Overall, VR-QoL in glaucoma patients was similar before and after trabeculectomy, reflecting the procedure's stabilizing effect on both objective and subjective visual function. The absence of correlations between VR-QoL and clinical parameters emphasizes the multifaceted nature of VR-QoL and highlights the limitations of depending solely on objective clinical metrics to evaluate patients' subjective experiences. Using both objective measures and VR-QoL, clinicians can better understand the challenges patients face due to glaucoma and trabeculectomy, potentially leading to better solutions.

Features of quality of life formation in children with visual impairments

The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of complete healthy visual perception for quality of life and productivity in childhood. Prognostic calculations by international experts indicate increasing trends in the prevalence of ophthalmic pathology, with projections suggesting that by 2050, practically one-third of the world’s population will have visual impairments, the vast majority of which are diagnosed in childhood. Aim. To study changes in the quality of life of children of different ages, its components, which continue to form during childhood under the influence of diagnosed ophthalmic pathology. Materials and methods. We analyzed the results of a sociological study using adapted versions of the standardized Children’s Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ). Research methods included: medical-statistical, analytical-synthetic, sociological survey. The medical-statistical method involved calculating the standard deviation (σ – sigma) and standardized values of life quality assessment components (according to the CVFQ standardized questionnaire processing instructions). Results. The sections of CVFQ cover six main categories of children’s quality of life: self-perception of general health status; self-assessment of vision; skills; personality status; support and family impact; treatment-related restrictions. In total, the adapted questionnaire version for children up to 3 years old contained 35 questions, and for children older than 3 years old, 40 questions. The main group included 788 individuals (of which 380 (48.2 %) had children under 3 years old and 408 (51.8 %) had children over 3 years old). The control group included 590 individuals (260 (44.1 %) had children under 3 years old and 330 (55.9 %) had children over 3 years old). The research results prove the prospects of implementing medical-preventive strategies in providing primary and specialized ophthalmic medical care, considering the significant impact of ophthalmic pathology on the formation of quality of life components in children of different ages. It is proven that the prevalence of ophthalmic pathology increases with the age of children. Conclusions. The significant medical and social importance of visual function disorders at different ages potentially threatens disability, socialization disorders, and productivity of ophthalmic patients. The growing medical and social significance of eye diseases nowadays imposes updated requirements for organizing the provision of ophthalmic care to various segments of the population.

Piloting Rasch model scoring of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire in uveitis

IntroductionThe National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ) is a common patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) in uveitis trials. Its psychometric properties using state-of-the-art scoring based on Rasch models, a latent trait model that improves accuracy of PROMs assessment, has not yet been investigated.MethodsThe study participants were recruited online from uveitis patient organizations, where individuals self-reported their uveitis diagnosis and visual acuity level. These participants then completed the NEI VFQ-25. The visual function (VF) and socioemotional (SE) subscales were psychometrically analysed in terms of item fit, targeting, internal consistency, dimensionality, and differential item functioning (DIF), using Rasch models. Criterion validity was examined based on associations between NEI VFQ person measures and recent visual acuity (VA) levels.ResultsNinety-nine participants recruited online from uveitis patient organizations (68 women, 31 men; mean age 50 ± 15 years; 46.5% self-reported receiving systematic therapy for uveitis, 0.6% NEI VFQ-25 missing data) were included. The mean difficulty of items was lower than the average person ability. None of the items demonstrated misfit to an extent that would induce noise into the measurement. The consistency metrics person reliability and person separation index of the subscales were 0.85 and 2.34 (NEI VFQ-VF), 0.86 and 2.52 (NEI VFQ-SE), respectively. There was no evidence of multidimensionality and none of the items showed DIF by gender. The differences between item and person measures were 1.44 (NEI VFQ-VF) and 1.03 (NEI VFQ-SE). NEI VFQ-25 person measures were significantly lower in participants with visual impairment (all p values ≤ 0.007).ConclusionRasch model-based scoring of the re-engineered NEI VFQ-25 demonstrates acceptable internal consistency, item fit and construct validity for assessing two key domains of quality of life in individuals self-reporting uveitis. The PROM was targeted at a higher level of difficulty than present in our heterogeneous sample.

A multinational survey of potential participant perspectives on ocular gene therapy.

Amidst rapid advancements in ocular gene therapy, understanding patient perspectives is crucial for shaping future treatment choices and research directions. This international cross-sectional survey evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of ocular genetic therapies among potential recipients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Survey instruments included the Attitudes to Gene Therapy-Eye (AGT-Eye), EQ-5D-5L, National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), and Patient Attitudes to Clinical Trials (PACT-22) instruments. This study included 496 participant responses (89% adults with IRDs; 11% parents/guardians/carers) from 35 countries, with most from the United States of America (USA; 69%) and the United Kingdom (11%). Most participants (90%) indicated they would likely accept gene therapy if it was available, despite only 45% agreeing that they had good knowledge of gene therapy. The main sources of information were research registries (60% of participants) and the internet (61%). Compared to data from our recently published Australian national survey of people with IRDs (n = 694), USA respondents had higher knowledge of gene therapy outcomes, and Australian respondents indicated a higher perceived value of gene therapy treatments. Addressing knowledge gaps regarding outcomes and financial implications will be central to ensuring informed consent, promoting shared decision-making, and the eventual clinical adoption of genetic therapies.

The 6-Item Vision-Related Quality of Life and Limitations Questionnaire: Evaluation of Psychometric Properties.

We developed the Vision-related Quality of life and Limitations Questionnaire (VQL-6), a screening instrument to signal a need for additional care resulting from reduced vision-related quality of life in patients with chronic ophthalmic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties. A Dutch population-based sample of 2032 participants (mean age, 55 ± 19 years) completed the VQL-6 and other questionnaires on vision-related quality of life, executive functioning, attention, mental health, and symptom validity. In addition, we recruited a sample of 208 ophthalmic patients (mean age, 72 ± 12 years) and 98 age and gender similar controls (mean age, 69 ± 11 years) who completed the VQL-6 and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25. We studied the factor structure, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and known-groups validity. For the factor analyses, the population-based sample was split randomly in two subsamples. Exploratory factor analysis on the first subsample suggested a two-factor model (visual limitations and general health and quality of life), which was supported by confirmatory factor analyses on the second subsample, and on the patients. The VQL-6 demonstrated good internal consistency within each factor (0.78-0.89), sufficient convergent (r2= 55%) and divergent validity (r2 = 11%-24%), and good known-groups validity (Cohen's r = 0.57; P < 0.001). The VQL-6 has a robust two-factor structure and seems to be a valid tool to assess vision-related quality of life. Additional validation is needed in patients with chronic ophthalmic diseases. Future research is needed to determine if the VQL-6 can be used to identify patients with chronic ophthalmic diseases who are in need of additional care.

Vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal vein occlusion.

This study aims to assess the vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) among those referred to Labbafinejad Medical Center and Imam Hossein Hospital between 2019 and 2021. This comparative study included 37 eligible patients diagnosed with various types of RVO, with an average age of 61 ± 9. To ensure data validity, we included 74 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Only cases with a definitive diagnosis of RVO, confirmed by two retina specialists (ND and RN), were included. We assessed the vision-related quality of life of our participants using the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). All participants underwent interviews. In our study, we examined the vision-related quality of life in different subgroups of RVO patients. Overall, RVO patients had a significantly lower total VRQoL score compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.001), except in the subscale analysis of specific factors such as ocular pain, color vision, and driving, where no statistically significant difference was observed. A statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of subgroups, indicating lower VRQoL in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) patients (P = 0.010). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between lower VRQoL and decreased vision (P = 0.009) as well as longer disease duration (P = 0.011). Retinal vein occlusion can significantly reduce vision-related quality of life, particularly in more severe cases.

Refractive error and vision related quality of life

BackgroundTo investigate and compare the vision-related quality of life (QOL) in different types of refractive error (RE).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 200 subjects, categorized into four groups of 50 each, consisting of subjects with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and emmetropia, the latter being the control group. The mean age of the participants was 23.88 ± 5.87 (range, 15 to 38: 110 females and 90 males). RE was defined as myopia, spherical equivalent (SE) < -0.25 diopters (D), hyperopia, SE > + 0.25 D, astigmatism, cylinder < -0.25 D, and emmetropia (-0.25 ≤ SE(D) ≤ + 0.25, cylinder ≥ -0.25). Groups are subdivided into very low magnitudes of RE (0.50 and 0.75) and significant RE (1.00 ≤). Vision-related QOL was assessed using the Persian version of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). The NEI-VFQ was scored as visual function and socioemotional scales using Rasch analysis.ResultsCorrected myopia, astigmatism, uncorrected myopia, and hyperopia had a lower vision-related QOL than emmetropes. (P < 0.001). Vision-related QOL in myopic subjects was lower than that in astigmatic participants. Very low myopes, who often do not use correction, had a significantly lower QOL than other groups.ConclusionIndividuals with refractive errors experience a lower QOL score than those without. Notably, the adverse impact on QOL score is significantly greater in myopic cases, particularly very low myopia, compared to other refractive errors. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to neglect managing very low myopia since it may improve participants’ QOL.

Sickle Eye Project: a cross-sectional, non-interventional study of the prevalence of visual impairment due to sickle cell retinopathy and maculopathy in the UK

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the UK, with over 15 000 people affected. Proliferative sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is a well-described complication...

Mix-and-match vs bilateral trifocal and bilateral EDOF intraocular lens implantation: the spline curve battle.

To compare the postoperative visual acuity curves following 3 pseudophakic presbyopic correction techniques. Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece. Prospective, randomized, comparative trial. For this study, patients with stage 2 Lens Opacities Classification System III cataract were divided into 3 study groups: (1) premium monovision group, including patients who received the Panoptix intraocular lens (IOL) in the recessive eye and Vivity IOL in the dominant one; (2) bilateral trifocal group, including those who received bilaterally the Panoptix IOL; and (3) bilateral xEDOF group, including patients who received bilaterally the Vivity IOL. Postoperative bilateral uncorrected distance visual acuity was measured at 25.5, 28, 33, 40, 50, 66, 100, 200, and 300 cm distances. Spline curve fitting was attempted, and areas of the curves (AOCs) and curvature k were calculated. All patients responded to the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25). 90 patients were equally divided into the 3 groups. Premium monovision and bilateral trifocal implantations delivered similar visual acuity (all AOC P > .05); however, the trifocal patients suffered from drops in vision acuity in certain distance ranges as expressed by negative curvature values. Bilateral xEDOF patients demonstrated worse near vision acuity ( P < .05). Premium monovision patients reported better scores in NEI-VFQ 25 ( P = .03) and in the near activities ( P = .02) and distant activities ( P = .04) subscales. All surgical options provided impressive outcomes. Premium monovision appeared to deliver the best results.

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.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Quality of Life

The association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and quality of life (QoL) has not been thoroughly investigated. To investigate the association between DR and both vision-related QoL (VRQoL) and general health-related QoL (HRQoL). MEDLINE, EBSCO, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to April 2022. Studies included adults with DR and a measure of QoL. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two assumption-free meta-analyses were conducted. Analysis 1 included studies with participants without DR as the referent group to which QoL scores of participants with DR, grouped according to DR severity, were compared. Analysis 2 included all studies with participants with DR and a measure of QoL. QoL scores were pooled within categories of DR severity, and comparisons were made between these categories. QoL measured using HRQoL and VRQoL scales. A total of 93 articles were included: 79 in the meta-analyses and 14 in the narrative results. VRQoL was recorded in 54 studies, HRQoL in 26, and both in 13 studies. The most commonly used scales were the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) (n = 49) for VRQoL and the Short Form (SF) Health Survey (n = 18) for HRQoL. Thirty-five studies reported VFQ-25 composite scores. Analysis 1 consisted of 8 studies including 1138 participants with DR and 347 participants without DR. Compared with participants without DR, the composite VFQ-25 score was 3.8 (95% CI, 1.0-6.7) points lower in those with non-vision-threatening DR (NVTDR), 12.5 (95% CI, 8.5-16.5) lower in those with any DR, and 25.1 (95% CI, 22.8-27.2) lower in VTDR (P < .001 for trend). Analysis 2 consisted of 35 studies including 6351 participants with DR. The pooled mean VFQ-25 composite score was 91.8 (95% CI, 91.0-92.7) for participants with NVTDR, 77.6 (95% CI, 76.9-78.3) for any DR, and 73.2 (95% CI, 72.6-73.7) for VTDR (P < .001 for trend). HRQoL scores had weak or no associations with NVTDR and strong associations with VTDR. This study found that VRQoL declined with the presence and severity of DR. Interventions to reduce progression of DR at both early and more advanced stages could improve VRQoL.