Measuring outcomes of cataract surgery using the Quality of Well-Being Scale and VF-14 Visual Function Index

PURPOSE: To evaluate the validity and responsiveness of the self-administered Quality of Well-Being Scale (QWB-SA) and the 14-item Visual Function Index (VF-14) to assess patients having cataract surgery. SETTING: Large Southern California health maintenance organization. METHODS: This study comprised 233 adults who had uneventful small-incision (< 3.0 mm) phacoemulsification cataract extraction under local anesthesia. Patients were assessed before surgery as well as 4 to 6 weeks and 4 months after surgery using the QWB-SA and the VF-14. RESULTS: Postoperatively, patients reported significant improvements on QWB-SA (P < .005) and VF-14 (P < .001) measures. Those grouped by visual acuity in the operated eye and unoperated eye and first-eye surgery or second-eye surgery had significant changes in VF-14 results (P < .001). Improvements on the QWB-SA were significant except when the preoperative visual acuity was better than 20/40 in the operated eye or 20/50 in the unoperated eye and when patients had first-eye surgery. The vision-specific VF-14 was more sensitive to improvements after surgery than the more general QWB-SA. Both demonstrated a greater magnitude of change with lower baseline scores and correlated significantly with self-reported satisfaction and trouble with vision. CONCLUSIONS: Both the utility-based generic QWB-SA and disease-specific VF-14 profile were responsive to changes in quality of life after cataract surgery. The VF-14 was more sensitive to change but cannot be used for comparison across disease states or for policy analysis. The QWB-SA can be used to estimate the cost/utility of cataract surgery.     

Visuelle Lebensqualität nach vitreomakulärer Chirurgie bei epiretinalen Membranen

PURPOSE: To date, the increase of visual acuity and morphological parameters have been used to assess the benefit of a surgical intervention. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate changes in patients' visual quality of life due to vitreoretinal surgery for epiretinal membranes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with unilateral epiretinal membrane and good visual acuity of the fellow eye were included. Best corrected visual acuity and visual quality of life assessed by the visual function index (VF-14) were obtained preoperatively and 3 months after pars plana vitrectomy and peeling. RESULTS: Median visual acuity increased from 0.28 to 0.4 postoperatively. Visual quality of life (VF-14 values) rose from 72.8+/-4.7 (SEM) to 83.3+/-2.9 (p<0.05). Analysis revealed that patients with preoperatively low VF-14 values and preoperatively low visual acuity notably profited from surgery. The increase of visual quality of life can be predicted better than increase of visual acuity. Combined cataract surgery had no significant influence. CONCLUSION: In addition to best corrected visual acuity, quality of life measurements are important predictive and outcome parameters to estimate the value of vitreoretinal surgery.     

Comparison of the results of first and second cataract eye surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of second eye cataract surgery with those of first eye surgery. In particular, to evaluate changes in visual acuity (VA), visual function, and health status after the first and second eye surgeries. DESIGN: A cohort (case series) analysis of patients recruited in a clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 403 consecutive patients with indication of noncombined first eye or second eye cataract surgery were recruited in 3 public hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. First eye surgery patients are compared to second eye surgery patients. INTERVENTION: Patients were evaluated both before surgery and 4 months after surgery by a standardized telephone interview and clinical examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, visual function index (VF-14), a 14-item instrument designed to measure visual function, and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), a generic measure of health status. RESULTS: Full data were obtained from 315 (78%) patients: 249 who underwent first eye surgery only and 66 different patients who underwent second eye surgery. Significant improvement was found in both groups of patients for best-corrected VA in the operated eye (4.4 Snellen lines, P < 0.001; 4.2 Snellen lines, P < 0.001, respectively), VA in the better eye (2.8 Snellen lines, P < 0.001; 1.4 Snellen lines, P < 0.001), and visual function (26.3 Snellen lines, P < 0.001; 17.0 Snellen lines; P < 0.001). Four months after the operation, the VF-14 of the second eye group was slightly better (93.4 vs. 88.5; P = 0.09; score range: 0, worst, to 100, best). Psycho-social SIP scores improved in both groups (4.8, P < 0.001; 3.1, P = 0.016). Physical SIP score improved only in the first eye surgery group (1.8, P = 0.003) but not in the second eye surgery group (-1.0, P = 0.338; score range: 0, best, to 100, worst). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that patients undergoing second eye cataract surgery show significant improvements in VA, visual function, and psycho-social health status. However, global and physical health status does not change after second eye cataract surgery.     

Functional visual outcomes of cataract extraction in monocular versus binocular patients

PURPOSE: To determine the change in functional vision that occurs with cataract surgery in a group of monocular patients compared with a group of binocularly sighted control subjects. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Study subjects comprised 100 functionally monocular patients who underwent cataract surgery at the Jules Stein Eye Institute between 1996 and 2002. Control subjects were 100 binocularly sighted patients, matched to study subjects by age, sex, and timing of surgery. A single ophthalmologist performed all of the operations using an ultrasonic phacoemulsification technique. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured before and after surgery using a conventional visual acuity monitor. Self-reported visual function was assessed before and after surgery using the Visual Function 14 (VF-14) questionnaire. Paired t tests were used to report statistical significance. RESULTS: The monocular group had significantly worse mean BCVA than the binocular group before and after surgery, but the improvement experienced by the two groups was statistically indistinguishable (P =.913). Mean global VF-14 score was significantly worse for the monocular than the binocular group before and after surgery, but the monocular group experienced a significantly greater improvement (P =.00164) in VF-14 following surgery (20.4 points for the monocular group vs 10.1 points for the binocular group). CONCLUSIONS: Monocular patients report twice as much improvement in functional vision as binocular patients despite similar BCVA gains. This may be because monocular patients had cataract surgery on their better-seeing eye, whereas binocular patients typically had surgery on their poorer-seeing eye.     

The VF-14 index of visual function in recipients of a corneal graft: a 2-year follow-up study

PURPOSE: To assess visual functioning and other health-related quality of life outcomes after corneal grafting.DESIGN: A cohort study of corneal graft recipients observed for a minimum of 2 years after transplantation.METHODS: Repeated measurements were obtained by telephone interviews preoperatively and later at 1 and 2 years post-corneal transplantation in 217 patients with the following questionnaires: visual function index (VF-14), visual symptom score and global measures of trouble with vision, dissatisfaction with vision, ocular pain, and discomfort. Demographic, past ocular history, repeated best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and detailed eye examination data were also collected.RESULTS: Grafted eyes gained a mean of more than four lines of vision on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart 1 year after transplantation. The mean visual function index (VF-14) score improved from 68% +/- 26% preoperatively to 81% +/- 21% at 1 year. Average visual acuity (VA) and VF-14 values were unchanged at 2 years. The activities of daily living that showed the largest and most significant improvement were reading small print, driving in daytime, and watching television. A number of subjects (9%) presented with a maximum VF-14 score preoperatively, leaving no room for improvement with this outcome index. The VF-14 was especially responsive for corneal graft candidates with low levels of vision before surgery. Blurry vision, pain and discomfort scores, and the global measures of trouble and dissatisfaction with vision also improved after corneal grafting.CONCLUSION: The VF-14 index of functional visual impairment is a responsive and useful outcome index in recipients of a corneal graft.     

Visual function, quality of life and patient satisfaction after ophthalmic surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity, functional visual performance (VF-14), quality of life (QOL) gain (VF-14 gain) and patient satisfaction in a series of patients undergoing common types of ophthalmic surgery. METHOD: In a prospective trial, the VF-14 QOL questionnaire was administered to 100 patients who underwent surgery by one surgeon between May 2001 and April 2002. The following surgeries were compared: (1) cataract surgery (non-diabetic patients), (2) cataract surgery (diabetic patients), (3) retinal detachment cryo-buckle procedure, (4) pars plana vitrectomy, (5) silicone oil removal. VF-14 questionnaire responses, visual function and clinical data of all patients were recorded pre-operatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In comparison to vitreoretinal surgery, patients who underwent cataract surgery achieved higher VF-14 scores and required less time to recover from the procedure (1 month). The QOL gain (VF-14 gain) was significantly higher in patients who had undergone retinal detachment surgery and vitrectomy (p < 0.0001). The lowest QOL gain was registered in diabetic patients after cataract surgery. Patients with pre-existing eye disease, including patients with improved visual acuity, were least satisfied with the final outcome of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The highest VF-14 score was achieved by patients with no pre-existing ocular disease, who had undergone cataract surgery. The QOL gain was greater in patients with severer initial ocular conditions. Better patient satisfaction can be achieved in patients with pre-existing eye disease by improving pre-operative patient education.     

Health-related quality of life of cataract patients: cross-cultural comparisons of utility and psychometric measures

Background This study was conducted to assess the presence and/or absence of cross-cultural differences or similarities between Korean and United States cataract patients. A systematic assessment was performed using utility and psychometric measures in the study population. Research Design A cross-sectional study design was used to examine the comparison of preoperative outcomes measures in cataract patients in Korea and the United States. Study subjects were selected using non-probabilistic methods and included 132 patients scheduled for cataract surgery in one eye. Participants Subjects were adult cataract patients at Samsung and Kunyang General Hospital in Seoul, Korea, and Tulane University Hospital and Clinics in New Orleans, Louisiana. Measurements Preoperative utility was assessed using the verbal rating scale and standard reference gamble techniques. Current preoperative health status was assessed using the SF-36 and VF-14 surveys. Current preoperative Snellen visual acuity was used as a clinical measure of vision status. Results Korean patients were more likely to be younger (p = 0.001), less educated (p = 0.001), and to have worse Snellen visual acuity (p = 0.002) than United States patients. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that in contrast to Korean patients, United States patients were assessed to have higher scoring in general health, vitality, VF-14, and verbal rating for visual health. This higher scoring trend persisted after controlling for age, gender, education and Snellen visual acuity. The difference in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between the two countries was quite clear, especially in the older age and highly educated group. Conclusions Subjects in Korea and the United States were significantly different in quality of life, functional status and clinical outcomes. Subjects in the United States had more favorable health outcomes than those in Korea. These differences may be caused by multiple factors, including country-specific differences in economic status, health care system, cultural value system, and health policy. Cross-cultural differences should be considered when making international comparisons of quality of life.     

Cataract surgery and quality of life in patients with age related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of cataract and age related macular degeneration (AMD) is not unusual, especially in the very elderly. The outcome of cataract surgery in these cases depends on the effect of AMD on vision. In this study the authors have compared the outcome of cataract patients with AMD to that of cataract patients with no vision threatening ocular comorbidity, and analysed possible predictors of good or poor outcome. METHODS: An observational prospective study on consecutive cases operated for cataract during 1 month at six surgical departments affiliated to the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR). Data were collected according to the protocol of NCR and subjects completed the Catquest questionnaire before and 6 months after surgery. 90 subjects with AMD were compared to 335 subjects with no sight threatening ocular comorbidity. RESULTS: Difficulties in performing various daily life activities improved significantly for AMD subjects after surgery (p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Satisfaction with vision also improved significantly after surgery (p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Activity level and independence were unchanged. Subjects with no ocular comorbidity had a still better outcome. The most important variable related to a good self assessed functional outcome was postoperative visual acuity irrespective of the presence of AMD. AMD subjects scheduled for second eye surgery and AMD subjects dissatisfied with their vision before surgery had a poorer outcome. CONCLUSION: Subjects with various stages of dry AMD and cataract improved their self assessed visual function and satisfaction with vision significantly after cataract extraction.     

视功能指数量表研究及应用进展

白内障手术从防盲手术时代进入屈光手术时代,视觉相关生存质量已成为评价白内障手术预后的重要指标。视力等指标难以对患者视觉相关生存质量进行全面刻画,基于主观体验的视功能评价因此受到临床及科研重视。视功能指数量表(VF-14)是第一份应用于白内障领域视功能评估量表,被国际上广泛应用。本文回顾了VF-14研发历史,考量其临床适用性,从白内障、屈光性白内障及眼科常见病三类人群入手,对VF-14在视功能评价、手术方案疗效评价及术后随访等方面研究及应用进行综述,为VF-14的临床应用提供参考。     

Why are patients with no visual symptoms on cataract waiting lists?

BACKGROUND: Some patients waiting for cataract surgery report limited or no visual symptoms when responding to standardized visual function questions. This has led some to argue that too many patients are undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients who reported no symptoms on the Visual Function Index questionnaire (VF-14) were asked if they had any visual symptoms not included in the VF-14, why they thought they were on the waiting list, and what they expected to gain from surgery. They were interviewed after their surgery to see if they were satisfied with the procedure and if their vision had improved. RESULTS: Of 149 patients, 108 described some degree of visual impairment, 28 stated they were undergoing surgery at their doctor's suggestion, and 13 did not describe any reason for their surgery. By the second interview, 105 patients had had surgery, of whom 85% were very or extremely satisfied and 75% felt their vision was markedly improved. There was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction rates between the symptomatic, asymptomatic, or doctor's suggestion groups, or between patients undergoing first or second eye surgery. INTERPRETATION: Patients on cataract waiting lists who scored 100 (no complaints) on the VF-14 are likely to have some visual complaints not identified by the test and are likely to experience significant visual gain after undergoing cataract surgery. The adoption of the VF-14 questionnaire to determine the threshold for cataract surgery would be detrimental, because many patients who clearly could benefit from surgery would be denied appropriate health care.     

The impact of cataract surgery on visual functioning, vision-related disability and psychological distress: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: Determine whether there are changes in visual functioning, vision-related disability, health status and mood after cataract surgery. METHODS: 45 adults (mean age = 73.7 years) with bilateral cataract needing surgery for the first eye were recruited from public ophthalmology clinics. The Visual Functioning-14 survey assessed visual disability. Minimal angle of resolution tested visual acuity, and the Melbourne Edge Test examined contrast sensitivity. Demographic, psychological, health and medication use variables were examined. Participants were randomized to either an intervention or control arm. Controls were assessed on two occasions at a 3-month interval before having surgery. The intervention group was assessed 1-2 weeks before surgery and then reassessed 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Visual functioning improved for those who had cataract surgery with better visual acuity in the better (P = 0.010) and worse (P = 0.028) eye compared with controls. The intervention group reported fewer difficulties with overall vision-related disability (P = 0.0001), reading (P = 0.004) and instrumental activities of daily living (P = 0.010) post-surgery compared with controls. People with improved depression scores (P = 0.048) after surgery had less difficulty with reading compared with those with unchanged or worsened depression scores. Cataract surgery did not improve health status. CONCLUSIONS: First eye cataract surgery is effective in improving outcomes in visual functioning and disability. Improved mood after surgery was related to less vision-related disability compared with unchanged or worse depression.     

VF-14 item specific responses in patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery: can the length of the VF-14 be reduced?

AIMS: To report the item specific responses of the VF-14 in a population of patients undergoing cataract surgery in their first eye and to determine whether or not the VF-14 can be reduced without compromising its performance as an index of cataract related visual impairment. METHODS: The item specific responses to the VF-14 were analysed before (771 patients) and 4 months after (552 patients) cataract surgery in one eye to determine if the VF-14 index can be reduced without compromising its performance. Patients studied were selected from a cross sectional longitudinal study of patients undergoing cataract surgery in 72 ophthalmologist's offices located in three metropolitan regions of the United States. RESULTS: Pairwise correlations between items in the VF-14 were all less than 0.6, indicating that no items could be removed solely on the basis of redundancy. 10 items correlated moderately with change in trouble, and 11 correlated moderately with change in satisfaction (r >0.15) at 4 months after cataract extraction. Eleven items demonstrated an effect size >0.4 at 4 months. These 11 items were either important for detecting cataract related functional disability or for quantifying the extent to which cataract impaired function. Additionally, 11 items were needed to detect adequately individuals with functional impairment. Three items (recognising people, cooking, and reading large print) were less responsive to cataract extraction and were more strongly associated with ocular comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: While previous reports indicate that the VF-14 can be significantly shortened, our analysis only justifies removing three items. While the resulting VF-11 has properties similar to the VF-14, the limited time savings do not justify altering this already validated instrument.     

Visual acuity and quality of life outcomes in cataract surgery patients in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Visual acuity, visual functioning, and vision related quality of life outcomes after cataract surgery were assessed in a population based study in a suburban area of Hong Kong. METHODS: A cluster sampling design was used to select apartment buildings within housing estates for enumeration. All enumerated residents 60 years of age or over were invited for an eye examination and visual acuity measurement at a site within each estate. Visual functioning (VF) and vision related quality of life (QOL) questionnaires were administered to interview subjects who had undergone cataract surgery and to unoperated people with presenting visual acuity less than 6/60 in either eye, and a sample of those with normal visual acuity. RESULTS: 36.6% of the 310 cataract operated individuals had presenting visual acuity 6/18 or better in both eyes, and 40.0% when measured by pinhole. 4.5% were blind, with presenting visual acuity less than 6/60 in both eyes. Of operated eyes, 59.6% presented with visual acuity 6/18 or better. 11.2% of the operated eyes were blind with vision less than 6/60. Visual acuity outcomes 6/18 or better were marginally associated with surgery in private versus public hospitals. Lens status (pseudophakic versus aphakic) and surgical period (within the most recent 3 years versus before) were not significantly related to vision outcomes. Mean VF and QOL scores decreased consistently with decreasing vision status. Spearman correlation with vision status was 0.420 for VF scores and 0.313 for QOL scores. Among VF/QOL subscales, correlation was strongest for visual perception (r = 0.447) among VF subscales and weakest for self care (r = 0.171) among QOL subscales. Regression adjusted VF and QOL total scores for cataract operated individuals were slightly lower than for those of visually comparable unoperated individuals (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract operations in Hong Kong did not consistently produce good presenting visual acuity outcomes, suggesting that postoperative monitoring would be useful to minimise visual impairment in this population. Although vision outcomes were consistently correlated with all VF/QOL subscale scores, there was a differential impact with VF subscales usually being affected more by reduced acuity than the more general QOL subscales.     

白内障术前预测因素与术后视功能的相关性研究

目的:探讨白内障术前相关预测因素与术后视功能的相关性。方法:选取83例在我院眼科行白内障超声乳化和人工晶状体植入术患者,对其进行A超眼轴长度测量、白内障类型、核硬度等检查,分析术前预测因素与术后视力、视功能指数14(Visual Funtion Index14,VF-14)的相关性。结果:年龄、性别、眼轴、核硬度、术前矫正视力、白内障类型、高血压病史、糖尿病病史、对侧眼视力、患病时间与术后VF-14、术后30d矫正视力有相关性;术前VF-14、DM病史、对侧眼视力对于术后VF-14有83.5%的影响,具有重要意义。结论:通过术前相关检查能够有效地评估患者白内障术后视功能,术前VF-14量表的评价有一定意义。     

Measuring visual symptoms in British cataract patients: the cataract symptom scale

AIMS: To develop and validate a scale for the measurement of visual symptoms and functional disability due to cataract in older UK residents. METHODS: In depth semistructured interviews were undertaken with 44 consecutive patients awaiting cataract surgery. Patients were asked to describe visual symptoms and problems with social functioning which were then incorporated into a questionnaire, the cataract symptom scale (CSS). The CSS was further examined in a cohort of 118 consecutive cataract patients awaiting surgery. Further assessments in these patients included visual acuity, visual function using an existing scale (the VF-14), activities of daily living, perceived health status, anxiety and depression, and a global assessment of how much patients felt their visual symptoms affected their daily life. RESULTS: A 15 item scale was derived which was simple to administer to older patients and had a high internal consistency. The test-retest correlation coefficient for the total instrument score was r = 0.91 (p<0.0001). The CSS correlated well with the VF-14 and to a lesser extent with visual acuity in the better eye, activities of daily living, perceived health status, anxiety and depression, and the patients' global assessment of visual symptoms. CONCLUSION: The CSS provides information regarding the symptomatic and functional status of older cataract patients resident in the UK which cannot be obtained by measurement of visual acuity alone.     

Reducing wait time for cataract surgery: comparison of 2 historical cohorts of patients in Montreal

Objective: A cataract efficiency program was implemented in Montreal in 2003 to decrease surgery wait time. Our goal was to determine whether health, adverse events during wait time, and outcome of patients presenting for cataract surgery differed from 1999 to 2006 in Montreal.Design: Prospective preoperative and postoperative observational study performed at 2 time points 6 years apart.Participants: Patients awaiting first-eye cataract surgery at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital: 509 patients in 1999-2000 and 206 patients in 2006-2007.Methods: Patients awaiting first-eye cataract surgery were recruited from Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in 1999-2000 (n = 509) and a second cohort was recruited in 2006-2007 (n = 206). Date of entry onto the hospital waiting list and date of cataract surgery were recorded. About 2 weeks before surgery, patients were asked about accidents and falls while waiting, visual difficulty, and satisfaction with vision and wait time. Visual acuity was measured in each eye. Patients also completed interviewer-administered questionnaires: the 5-item Cataract Symptom Scale, Visual Function-14 Questionnaire (VF-14), Short Form Health Survey-36, Geriatric Depression Scale, and the 14-item Systemic Comorbidity Scale. The interview was repeated after surgery.Results: In 1999, 39% of patients waited more than 6 months for cataract surgery, and this was reduced to 29% in 2006. Patients had better preoperative visual acuity in the surgical eye, less visual difficulty, and fewer cataract symptoms, and reported fewer accidents while waiting for surgery in 2006. The change in visual acuity after surgery was nonetheless the same in the 2 cohorts. The 2006 cohort achieved significantly higher VF-14 scores and reported more satisfaction with vision after surgery than did the 1999 cohort.Conclusions: Patients had cataract surgery sooner in the disease process in 2006-2007 compared with 1999-2000, with changes in visual acuity after surgery that were clinically significant in both cohorts.     

Outcome of cataract surgery considering the preoperative situation: a study of possible predictors of the functional outcome

AIM: To analyse possible predictors of the self assessed functional outcome of a cataract extraction. METHODS: The patients' self assessed visual function was studied by use of a questionnaire, the "Catquest", before and 6 months after surgery. All patients (n=1933, mean age 75.5 years, 66.8% women) who were undergoing cataract surgery in March 1995, in 35 different departments of ophthalmology participating in the National Swedish Cataract Register, were included in the study. A routine ophthalmic examination was performed before and after surgery. The following preoperative variables were studied with regard to a possible relation to the outcome: age, sex, ocular comorbidity, best corrected preoperative vision (better eye), first or second eye surgery, other diseases with a need for long term medication, need for home help, need for subsidised travel by taxi. RESULTS: Ocular comorbidity was strongly related to a "no benefit" outcome after surgery (p= 0.005). Second eye surgery and young age was related to a "very good benefit" outcome after surgery (p=0.0001 and p<0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an ocular comorbidity in the eye undergoing a cataract extraction were characterised by a significantly higher frequency of deteriorated self assessed visual function after surgery than patients with no ocular comorbidity. The highest degree of improvement was most frequently found in younger patients undergoing second eye surgery.     

白内障患者手术前后视功能相关生存质量分析

目的对行超声乳化吸出联合人工晶体植入术的白内障患者进行视功能相关生存质量评价。方法白内障患者在术前和术后1月分别测量日常生活视力，并进行中文版低视力者生存质量量表的评估。结果白内障患者术后的视力和生存质量各维指标都显著高于术前，术后生存质量评分与术后视力显著相关。结论白内障超声乳化吸出联合人工晶体植入术能够显著提高患者视力及视功能相关生存质量，术后视力情况是决定生存质量的重要因素。     

Evaluating cataract surgery gains by assessing patients' quality of life using the VF-7.

PURPOSE: To describe the development and performance of a questionnaire designed to measure functional impairment caused by cataract. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. METHODS: The results of a visual-functioning index (VF-14) of 168 patients with first-eye cataract surgery were analyzed. Patients with significant comorbidity were excluded, leaving 142 patients for the final analysis. Snellen visual acuity measurements and complete preoperative and 4 month postoperative clinical status were performed by ophthalmologists. Outcome measures, including the VF-14, patient perception of trouble with vision, patient satisfaction with vision, and the cataract symptom score, were taken by nurses at the preoperative clinical examinations and at the 4 month postoperative visit. The Spearman rank correlation was used to determine which items of the VF-14 best correlated with a change in patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Seven items of the VF-14 that best correlated with patient satisfaction were selected for inclusion in a new 7-item index (the VF-7). Based on the Spearman rank correlation, the items from best to worst were nighttime driving; reading small print; watching television; seeing steps, stairs, or curbs; reading traffic, street, or store signs; cooking; and doing fine handwork. The correlation among changes in the VF-7 score and visual acuity in the operated eye was 0.17, while the correlation among changes in the VF-7 and patient satisfaction caused by cataract surgery was high (r = .56). CONCLUSION: The VF-7 was a strong predictor of change in patient satisfaction caused by cataract surgery.     

Visual function after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: a prospective longitudinal evaluation

AIMS: To evaluate visual function and vision specific health status in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study measuring logMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, disability glare, binocular visual field, stereoacuity, and subjective visual function (VF-14) was conducted on 18 patients with keratoconus undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK), including six patients who had already had PK in the fellow eye. Data were collected preoperatively and at 3, 9, and 18 months after surgery. RESULTS: Within 3 months of surgery there was significant improvement in aided visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity (p<0.05); disability glare (p<0.05) no longer had a significant detrimental effect on these variables. VF-14 score improved significantly throughout the postoperative period (p<0.05). There was significant correlation of the VF-14 score with aided visual acuity, binocular visual field, and stereoacuity. Postoperative astigmatism (<4D v >4D) did not affect the VF-14 score significantly. CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial and rapid improvement in visual function and vision specific health status in keratoconic patients as a result of uncomplicated penetrating keratoplasty.