Psychometric validation of the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 in patients with diabetic macular edema

Clinical study of Chinese medicine holographic scraping combined with hot ironing in improving early diabetic retinopathy

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the clinical effect of holographic scraping combined with Chinese medicine hot ironing on the improvement of early diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS

The clinical data of 120 inpatients with diabetes mellitus were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had early retinopathy. According to different treatment methods, the patients were segmented into a scraping group (accepted holographic scrapping), an ironing group (accepted Chinese medicine hot ironing), and a combined treatment group (accepted holographic scraping combined with Chinese medicine hot ironing). The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, efficacy in TCM symptom relief and fundus symptom relief, quality of life, blood glucose index level, and safety were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the scraping group and the ironing group, the TCM symptom scores of the combined treatment group on the 3rd day, 7th day, and 14th day of treatment were decreased; The total effective rates in TCM symptom relief and fundus symptom relief were increased; The scores of four dimensions in QoL of patients increased (all P<0.05); and Fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin were decreased (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of DR grade (I, II, and III) in the combined treatment group compared with the scraping group and ironing group (all P>0.05). The resistance index of the combined group after treatment was lower than that before treatment and lower than that of the hot ironing group and scraping group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of holographic scraping combined with Chinese medicine hot ironing in the treatment of early DR could alleviate the symptoms of blurred vision and dry eyes. Early intervention for retinopathy with both methods can reduce the disability rate and improve the quality of life of patients, which has a better effect than simple therapy.

Diabetic Macular Edema and Diode Subthreshold Micropulse Laser: A Randomized Double-Masked Noninferiority Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

To determine clinical effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser (SML), compared with standard laser (SL), for diabetic macular edema (DME) with central retinal thickness (CRT) < 400 μm.

DESIGN

Pragmatic, multicenter, allocation-concealed, double-masked, randomized, noninferiority trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with center-involved DME < 400 μm and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of > 24 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters in one/both eyes.

METHODS

Randomization 1:1 to 577 nm SML or SL treatment. Retreatments were allowed. Rescue with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies or steroids was permitted if 10 or more ETDRS letter loss occurred, CRT increased > 400 μm, or both.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was mean change in BCVA in the study eye at 24 months (noninferiority margin 5 ETDRS letters). Secondary outcomes were mean change from baseline to month 24 in binocular BCVA; CRT and mean deviation of Humphrey 10-2 visual field in the study eye; percentage meeting driving standards; EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L, 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25), and Vision and Quality of Life Index (VisQoL) scores; cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained; adverse effects; and number of laser and rescue treatments.

RESULTS

The study recruited fully (n = 266); 87% of SML-treated and 86% of SL-treated patients had primary outcome data. Mean ± standard deviation BCVA change from baseline to month 24 was -2.43 ± 8.20 letters and -0.45 ± 6.72 letters in the SML and SL groups, respectively. Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy was deemed not only noninferior but also equivalent to SL therapy because the 95% confidence interval (CI; -3.9 to -0.04 letters) lay wholly within both upper and lower margins of the permitted maximum difference (5 ETDRS letters). No statistically significant difference was found in binocular BCVA (0.32 ETDRS letters; 95% CI, -0.99 to 1.64 ETDRS letters; P = 0.63); CRT (-0.64 μm; 95% CI, -14.25 to 12.98 μm; P = 0.93); mean deviation of the visual field (0.39 decibels (dB); 95% CI, -0.23 to 1.02 dB; P = 0.21); meeting driving standards (percentage point difference, 1.6%; 95% CI, -25.3% to 28.5%; P = 0.91); adverse effects (risk ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.06-1.34; P = 0.11); rescue treatments (percentage point difference, -2.8%; 95% CI, -13.1% to 7.5%; P = 0.59); or EQ-5D, NEI-VFQ-25, or VisQoL scores. Number of laser treatments was higher in the SML group (0.48; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79; P = 0.002). Base-case analysis indicated no differences in costs or QALYs.

CONCLUSIONS

Subthreshold micropulse laser therapy was equivalent to SL therapy, requiring slightly higher laser treatments.

Standard threshold laser versus subthreshold micropulse laser for adults with diabetic macular oedema: the DIAMONDS non-inferiority RCT

BACKGROUND

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends macular laser to treat diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm on optical coherence tomography. The DIAMONDS (DIAbetic Macular Oedema aNd Diode Subthreshold micropulse laser) trial compared standard threshold macular laser with subthreshold micropulse laser to treat diabetic macular oedema suitable for macular laser.

OBJECTIVES

Determining the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser compared with standard threshold macular laser to treat diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm.

DESIGN

A pragmatic, multicentre, allocation-concealed, double-masked, randomised, non-inferiority, clinical trial.

SETTING

Hospital eye services in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with diabetes and centre-involving diabetic macular oedema with a central retinal subfield thickness of < 400 µm, and a visual acuity of > 24 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (Snellen equivalent > 20/320) in one/both eyes.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomised 1 : 1 to receive 577 nm subthreshold micropulse laser or standard threshold macular laser (e.g. argon laser, frequency-doubled neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet 532 nm laser); laser treatments could be repeated as needed. Rescue therapy with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies or steroids was allowed if a loss of ≥ 10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters between visits occurred and/or central retinal subfield thickness increased to > 400 µm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity in the study eye at 24 months (non-inferiority margin 5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). Secondary outcomes included the mean change from baseline to 24 months in the following: binocular best-corrected visual acuity; central retinal subfield thickness; the mean deviation of the Humphrey 10-2 visual field in the study eye; the percentage of people meeting driving standards; and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version, National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire - 25 and Vision and Quality of Life Index scores. Other secondary outcomes were the cost per quality-adjusted life-years gained, adverse effects, number of laser treatments and additional rescue treatments.

RESULTS

The DIAMONDS trial recruited fully (n = 266); 87% of participants in the subthreshold micropulse laser group and 86% of participants in the standard threshold macular laser group had primary outcome data. Groups were balanced regarding baseline characteristics. Mean best-corrected visual acuity change in the study eye from baseline to month 24 was -2.43 letters (standard deviation 8.20 letters) in the subthreshold micropulse laser group and -0.45 letters (standard deviation 6.72 letters) in the standard threshold macular laser group. Subthreshold micropulse laser was deemed to be not only non-inferior but also equivalent to standard threshold macular laser as the 95% confidence interval (-3.9 to -0.04 letters) lay wholly within both the upper and lower margins of the permitted maximum difference (5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the secondary outcomes investigated with the exception of the number of laser treatments performed, which was slightly higher in the subthreshold micropulse laser group (mean difference 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.79; p = 0.002). Base-case analysis indicated no significant difference in the cost per quality-adjusted life-years between groups.

FUTURE WORK

A trial in people with ≥ 400 µm diabetic macular oedema comparing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy alone with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy and macular laser applied at the time when central retinal subfield thickness has decreased to < 400 µm following anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections would be of value because it could reduce the number of injections and, subsequently, costs and risks and inconvenience to patients.

LIMITATIONS

The majority of participants enrolled had poorly controlled diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Subthreshold micropulse laser was equivalent to standard threshold macular laser but required a slightly higher number of laser treatments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered as EudraCT 2015-001940-12, ISRCTN17742985 and NCT03690050.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research ( NIHR ) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 50. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Evaluating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for clinical trials and clinical practice in adult patients with uveitis or scleritis: a systematic review

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) capture impact of disease and treatment on quality of life, and have an emerging role in clinical trial outcome measurement. This study included a systematic review and quality appraisal of PROMs developed or validated for use in adults with uveitis or scleritis. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and grey literature sources, to 5 November 2021. We used established quality criteria to grade each PROM instrument in multiple domains from A (high quality) to C (low quality), and assessed content development, validity, reliability and responsiveness. For instruments developed using classic test theory-based psychometric approaches, we assessed acceptability, item targeting and internal consistency. For instruments developed using Item Response Theory (IRT) (e.g. Rasch analysis), we assessed response categories, dimensionality, measurement precision, item fit statistics, differential item functioning and targeting. We identified and appraised four instruments applicable to certain uveitis types, but none for scleritis. Specifically, the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ), a 3-part PROM for Birdshot retinochoroiditis (Birdshot Disease & Medication Symptoms Questionnaire [BD&MSQ], the quality of life (QoL) impact of Birdshot Chorioretinopathy [QoL BCR], and the QoL impact of BCR medication [QoL Meds], the Kings Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ), and a PROM for cytomegalovirus retinitis. These instruments had limited coverage for these heterogeneous conditions, with a focus on very rare subtypes. Psychometric appraisal revealed considerable variability between instruments, limited content development, and only one developed using Item Response Theory. In conclusion, there are few validated PROMs for patients with uveitis and none for scleritis, and existing instruments have suboptimal psychometric performance. We articulate why we do not recommend their inclusion as clinical trial outcome measures for drug licensing purposes, and highlight an unmet need for PROMs applicable to uveitis and scleritis.

Psychometric properties of scales for assessing the vision-related quality of life of people with low vision: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize information on the psychometric properties of scales used to assess vision-related quality of life in people with low vision.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted. The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Bireme and Epistemonikos databases were consulted in July 2020. Eligibility assessment of abstracts and full texts was performed independently by two investigators.A standardized template was used for data extraction regarding study design, scale and version, clinical condition of participants, and psychometric properties measured, using database-specific controlled vocabulary terms for low vision and keywords for vision-related quality of life and validity. Data was synthesized considering two approaches for scales validations, Classical Test Theory and Rasch Analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 53 articles were included in our analysis. In total, 40 studies evaluated the NEI VFQ scale, four evaluated the IVI scale, two evaluated the VA LV VFQ instrument and seven validated the LVQOL scale. This review found that the VRQoL NEI VFQ, IVI, LVQOL and VA LV VFQ-48 scales have adequate psychometric properties, with good internal consistency, when assessed using the CTT approach. The NEI VFQ scale also showed adequate test-retest reliability and adequate construct and content validity. The NEI VFQ and LVQOL scales showed inadequate items and multidimensionality when Rasch analysis was used. The IVI scale showed potential for assessing change in HRQoL after providing interventions to patients with low vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Many questionnaires exist to measure vision-related quality of life in people with low vision, but the psychometric properties of the questionnaires are variable.

Comparison between the English and Bahasa Malaysia language versions of the Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ-25) for use in patients with cataracts

Background

We conducted the study to compare the psychometric properties of the English version of the Questionnaire and the Bahasa Malaysia (Malay Language) version regarding the vision-related Quality of Life of patients with cataracts.

Methods

The Malay version was translated by two independent translators who were well versed in both languages. We carried out a cross-sectional study collecting data between June 2017 and March 2018 in the pre-operative Eye Clinic of Hospital Melaka with 224 respondents (mean age 66.8 years) and another 204 respondents (mean age 64.3 years) participating in the English version and Malay version of the Questionnaire respectively.

Methods used to validate the standard questionnaire included the use of construct validity via factor analysis and the deployment of reliability test through assessment of internal consistency via Cronbach’s alpha.

Results

We observed both English and Bahasa Malaysia versions to have high reliability with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.90 and above in factors on difficulty with activities and responses to vision problems.

Exploratory factor analysis performed revealed that the three-factor model fits the data well for the English version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (23.81 % of variance), responses to vision problem (22.22 % of variance) and general health and vision (14.68 % of variance).

The Bahasa Malaysia version of the questionnaire produced three factors with two of the factors resembling the factors from the original version of the questionnaire - difficulty with activities (24.3 % of variance) and responses to vision problem (23.7 % of variance).

Item response theory analysis revealed that these factors for both English and Bahasa Malaysia versions comprised of adequately fitted items.

Conclusion

The present study observed that both the English and Bahasa Malaysia versions of the NEI VFQ-25 have comparable construct validity to the original American version. With high validity and reliability, the tool shall be able to provide health care providers the assessment of impact due to cataract and other ophthalmic conditions on the vision-related quality of life of ophthalmic patients.

Utility Index and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Glaucomatous Patients Comparing with Normal Participants

Purpose

Utility index is a significant outcome in terms of health economics assessment while patient-reported outcome measure (PROMs) evaluates quality of life (QOL) from patient’s perspective. Our objective was to evaluate both utility indices and PROMs using generic and eye specific QOL in glaucomatous patients compared with normal population.

Methods

This is a case-control study. We interviewed normal and glaucomatous participants with the European Quality of Life questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), the European visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) and the visual function questionnaire 28 (Thai version) (VFQ-28). The visual function questionnaire utility index (VFQ-UI) and generic utility index from EQ-5D-5L were calculated.

Results

There were 47 normal and 127 glaucomatous participants in this study. Amongst glaucoma group, 35 participants were in the early stage of the disease, 43 were in the moderate stage, 30 normal vision participants were in the severe stage, 14 participants had blindness one eye, and 5 had blindness both eyes. The mean age of the participants in both groups was statistically similar (63.78±6.84 vs 66.30±8.93 years old, respectively, p=0.062). Underlying diseases between groups were also comparable. The EQ-5D-5L utility index score and the EQ-VAS score were not statistically different between normal and glaucomatous groups, respectively (EQ-5D-5L: 0.874±0.122 vs 0.837±0.191, p=0.215; EQ VAS: 76.06±15.07 vs 74.02 ±15.10, p=0.43). By contrast, VFQ-UI of the glaucomatous group was significantly lower than that of the normal group, (VFQ-UI: 0.833±0.147 vs 0.895±0.070, accordingly, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Utility index from the VFQ-UI was a relevant PROMs for evaluating the QOL of glaucomatous patients in terms of visual function specificity and acceptable validity.

A Systematic Review of Economic Studies Evaluating Ophthalmic Drugs: An Analysis of the Health-state Utilities

PURPOSE

To characterize the techniques used to derive health-state utilities (HSU) in the cost-utility studies (CUS) of ophthalmic drugs.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed/Embase until October 2019. CUS evaluating ophthalmic drugs were included. Therapeutic area, technique to derive HSU and sources of HSU were extracted. It was assessed if the HSU and the other parameters of CUS were collected from the same population. The techniques to derive HSU used in the CUS were compared to the techniques recommended by the country-specific economic evaluation guidelines.

RESULTS

Seventy CUS were included. Forty-three (61.4%) used direct techniques to derive HSU, 19 (27.1%) used indirect, 1 (1.4%) used direct and indirect and the remaining (n = 7; 10.0%) used other or unknown techniques. Twelve (17.1%) CUS collected the HSU and the other parameters from the same population: nine (12.9%) retrieved utility data from experimental studies, two (2.9%) from observational and one (1.4%) from other sources. Forty-eight (68.6%) CUS collected the HSU and the other parameters from different populations: eight (11.4%) retrieved utility data from experimental studies, 33 (47.1%) from observational, one (1.4%) from both experimental and observational and six (8.6%) from other sources. It was not possible to identify the population from whom data were obtained in 10 (14.3%) CUS. Eleven (15.7%) CUS followed the recommendations of guidelines, 21 (30.0%) did not follow and for 38 (54.3%), it was not possible to assess.

CONCLUSION

Choosing different techniques to derive HSU may result in different results, which can preclude the comparison between cost-utility studies.

Vision-related quality of life considering both eyes: results from the German population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)

PURPOSE

Most definitions of visual impairment focus on the status of the better-seeing eye only, but this approach might underestimate the influence of the worse-seeing eye on the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL).

METHODS

We assessed distance-corrected visual acuity in both eyes and VRQoL using the "National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire" (NEI VFQ-25) in the German population-based Gutenberg Health Study. We calculated the Rasch-based visual functioning scale (VFS) and socioemotional scale (SES). We categorized the visual acuity of the better-seeing eye (BE) and worse-seeing eye (WE) as follows: (1) no visual impairment (VI) (< 0.32 logMAR)), (2) mild VI (0.32-0.5 logMAR), and (3) moderate to severe VI (> 0.5 logMAR). Next, the subjects were categorized as follows: both eyes with no VI (no/no), the better-seeing eye with no VI and the worse-seeing eye with mild VI (no/mild), no VI/severe VI (no/severe), both eyes with mild VI (mild/mild), light VI/severe VI (mild/severe), and both eyes with severe VI (severe/severe). We calculated the median scores for VFS and SES. We used linear regression to estimate the combined influence of BE/WE on VFS and SES.

RESULTS

We included 11,941 participants (49.9% female, age range: 35-74 years) with information on VRQoL and visual acuity. The median VFS/SES scores were 90/100 (no/no VI group), 84/97 (no/mild group), 81/94 (no/severe group), 70/90 (mild/mild group), 67/74 (mild/severe group), and 63/76 (severe/severe group). These differences were supported by the regression analysis results.

CONCLUSION

Relying on the function of the better-seeing eye considerably underestimates the impact of visual impairment on VRQoL.

Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Intravitreal Aflibercept: The AQUA Study

PURPOSE

To examine vision-related quality of life in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal aflibercept (EYLEA, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY).

DESIGN

AQUA was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase 4 study.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults 18 years of age or older with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and DME.

METHODS

Patients received intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg every 8 weeks for 52 weeks, after 5 initial doses every 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the change in 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) total score from baseline to week 52. Secondary outcomes included the change in NEI VFQ-25 near and distant activities subscale scores, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters), and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to week 52. Change in NEI VFQ-25 score at week 52 for better-seeing eyes (BSEs) and worse-seeing eyes (WSEs) also was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 553 patients comprised the full analysis set, and 560 patients comprised the safety analysis set. At baseline, the mean NEI VFQ-25 total score was 70.12, mean BCVA was 61.5 ETDRS letters, and mean CRT was 464.81 μm. A mean of 8.8 injections were administered over 52 weeks. At week 52, the mean improvement from baseline in the NEI VFQ-25 total score was +6.11 (standard deviation [SD], 11.46); the corresponding improvements in near and distant activities were +11.37 (SD, 18.01) and +7.33 (SD, 17.32), respectively. Similarly, improvements in patients whose BSE and WSE were treated were 7.74 (SD, 13.59) and 5.48 (SD, 9.70), respectively. At week 52, mean change in BCVA was +10.0 ETDRS letters (SD, 8.0 ETDRS letters), and mean change in CRT was -175.38 μm (SD, 132.62 μm). Overall, 53.6% of patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), of whom 26.8% experienced an ocular TEAE in the study eye. The most common serious ocular TEAE was endophthalmitis (0.5% [n = 3]). Five deaths (0.9%) were reported, but were not considered treatment related.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal aflibercept was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in NEI VFQ-25 total score over 52 weeks in patients with DME; these were even more pronounced for near than for distant activities. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of intravitreal aflibercept.

Diabetic macular oedema and diode subthreshold micropulse laser (DIAMONDS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In the UK, macular laser is the treatment of choice for people with diabetic macular oedema with central retinal subfield thickness (CST) < 400 μm, as per National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. It remains unclear whether subthreshold micropulse laser is superior and should replace standard threshold laser for the treatment of eligible patients.

METHODS

DIAMONDS is a pragmatic, multicentre, allocation-concealed, randomised, equivalence, double-masked clinical trial that aims to determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser compared with standard threshold laser, for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema with CST < 400 μm. The primary outcome is the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity in the study eye from baseline to month 24 post treatment. Secondary outcomes (at 24 months) include change in binocular best corrected visual acuity; CST; mean deviation of the Humphrey 10-2 visual field; change in percentage of people meeting driving standards; European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 and VisQoL scores; incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained; side effects; number of laser treatments and use of additional therapies. The primary statistical analysis will be per protocol rather than intention-to-treat analysis because the latter increases type I error in non-inferiority or equivalence trials. The difference between lasers for change in best-corrected visual acuity (using 95% CI) will be compared to the permitted maximum difference of five Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters. Linear and logistic regression models will be used to compare outcomes between treatment groups. A Markov-model-based cost-utility analysis will extend beyond the trial period to estimate longer-term cost-effectiveness.

DISCUSSION

This trial will determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of subthreshold micropulse laser, when compared with standard threshold laser, for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema, the main cause of sight loss in people with diabetes mellitus.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials, ISRCTN17742985 . Registered on 19 May 2017 (retrospectively registered).

Outcomes After Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation Using Vision-related Quality of Life Questionnaires: Impact of Vision Impairment and National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire

SIGNIFICANCE

This research is significant because, although vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) is improved after vision rehabilitation (VR), patients with certain characteristics respond less positively on VRQoL measures, and this should inform future care.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to evaluate how two VRQoL questionnaires compare in measuring change in patient-reported outcomes after VR and to determine if patient characteristics or occupational therapy (OT) predict higher scores after rehabilitation.

METHODS

In a prospective clinical cohort study, 109 patients with low vision completed the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) before and after VR. Comprehensive VR included consultation with an ophthalmologist and OT if required. The relationships of six baseline characteristics (age, sex, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, field loss, diagnosis) and OT were assessed with VRQoL scores using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age was 68.5 (19.2) years, and 61 (56%) were female. After rehabilitation, increases in scores were observed in all IVI subscales (reading [P < .001], mobility [P = .002], well-being [P = .0003]) and all NEI VFQ-25 subscales (functional [P = .01], socioemotional [P = .003]). Those who were referred to OT but did not attend and those who had hemianopia/field loss were less likely to have higher VRQoL in IVI mobility and well-being. Those attending OT for more than 3 hours were less likely to have better scores in emotional NEI VFQ. Men were less likely to have increased scores in functional and emotional NEI VFQ, whereas those with diagnoses of nonmacular diseases had higher odds of having increased scores on the emotional NEI VFQ (all, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Both the IVI and the NEI VFQ-25 detected change in patients' VRQoL after rehabilitation. Most of the patient characteristics we considered predicted a lower likelihood of increased scores in VRQoL.

Search training for people with visual field loss after stroke: A cohort study

Introduction

People with visual field loss after stroke often experience difficulties in everyday activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptability of search training as used within occupational therapy and the feasibility of possible measures for use in a future trial.

Method

Nine participants took part in a goal oriented intervention that was delivered three times a week for 3 weeks. Patient reports of acceptability and outcomes using the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 were collected. Participants’ room-search behaviour before and after the intervention was recorded using a head-worn camera.

Results

Eight participants completed nine treatment visits. All participants reported improved awareness and attention to the blind side during activities following the intervention. Seven participants’ change scores on the Visual Function Questionnaire-25 exceeded six points. Patterns of head-direction behaviour and overall room-search times were variable across patients; markedly, improved performance was only evident in the most severely affected participant.

Conclusion

The intervention was acceptable. The Visual Function Questionnaire-25 is a feasible measure for assessing patient-reported outcomes. While the room search was informative about individuals’ behaviour, more sophisticated methods of gaze tracking would allow search processes to be determined in real-world activities that are relevant to patients’ goals.

Development of a new Rasch-based scoring algorithm for the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire to improve its interpretability

BACKGROUND

The NEI VFQ-25 has undergone psychometric evaluation in patients with varying ocular conditions and the general population. However, important limitations which may affect the interpretation of clinical trial results have been previously identified, such as concerns with reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and make recommendations for a revised scoring structure, with a view to improving its psychometric performance and interpretability.

METHODS

Rasch Measurement Theory analyses were conducted in two stages using pooled baseline NEI VFQ-25 data for 2487 participants with retinal diseases enrolled in six clinical trials. In stage 1, we examined: scale-to-sample targeting; thresholds for item response options; item fit statistics; stability; local dependence; and reliability. In stage 2, a post-hoc revision of the scoring structure (VFQ-28R) was created and psychometrically re-evaluated.

RESULTS

In stage 1, we found that the NEI VFQ-25 was mis-targeted to the sample, and had disordered response thresholds (15/25 items) and mis-fitting items (8/25 items). However, items appeared to be stable (differential item functioning for three items), have minimal item dependency (one pair of items) and good reliability (person-separation index, 0.93). In stage 2, the modified Rasch-scored NEI VFQ-28-R was assessed. It comprised two broad domains: Activity Limitation (19 items) and Socio-Emotional Functioning (nine items). The NEI VFQ-28-R demonstrated improved performance with fewer disordered response thresholds (no items), less item misfit (three items) and improved population targeting (reduced ceiling effect) compared with the NEI VFQ-25.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the original version, the proposed NEI VFQ-28-R, with Rasch-based scoring and a two-domain structure, appears to offer improved psychometric performance and interpretability of the vision-related quality of life scale for the population analysed.

Quality of Life in People with Diabetic Retinopathy: Indian Study

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a well-known consequence of long standing and poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Several studies have demonstrated both a qualitative and quantitative reduction in health related quality of life in persons with DR. But no such study has been done in the Indian population.

AIM

To assess health related and vision related quality of life in people with DR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included two groups of patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Cases included 97 patients with DR. The control group (n=26) consisted of diabetic cases with no clinically detectable DR changes. After taking informed consent, health and vision related quality of life was assessed using National Eye Institute 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Demographic information, social history and diabetic history were also obtained from all patients. DR was graded using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification.

RESULTS

Of the 97 cases with DR, 42.3% were females. Of the 26 controls, 53.8% were females. The mean±SD age in years of the cases was 55.09±9.56 and controls were 54.12±13.01. The mean±SD of DM in years for the cases was 10.98±5.62 and for controls was 6.69±2.29. There were statistically significant (p<0.001) lower VFQ-25 composite and sub scale scores of the cases when compared with controls. As the grade of DR increased, VFQ-25 sub-scale scores decreased and this was statistically significant for composite and all sub scales (p<0.005) except ocular pain. Mann-Whitney test Z-value was highest in general health, general vision, composite score and mental health.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life was significantly lower in diabetics with DR when compared with those without DR with maximum effect seen on general health, general vision and mental health. Quality of life decreased as the duration of retinopathy and severity of retinopathy increased.

Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: long-term follow-up and vision-related quality of life

Purpose

To describe the clinical findings and long-term outcome of patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective case series in 52 eyes of 36 patients with a follow-up period of at least 1 year. Extensive ophthalmic examination and a validated questionnaire concerning vision-related quality of life (National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [NEI-VFQ]-39) were analyzed.

Results

Mean visual acuity showed a significant decline over time of 0.16 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution ([logMAR] range: −0.22 to 1.3; P=0.009) after a mean follow-up period of 10.6 years. Also, patients reported lower vision-related quality of life based on the NEI-VFQ-39 for almost all categories compared to healthy controls. Macular atrophy was diagnosed more often on optical coherence tomography compared to other diagnostic entities. Retinal pigment epithelium detachments in the macula were documented on optical coherence tomography in 56% of the patients. A significant thinning of foveal thickness was measured over time compared to unaffected fellow eyes (P=0.002). On long-term follow-up, 13 eyes (37%) showed an increase in number of hot spots on fluorescein angiography.

Conclusion

This study indicates that cCSC is a progressive disease in many patients, causing a progressive decline in visual acuity, accompanied by lower reported vision-related quality of life. In deciding whether or not to treat, the progressive nature of cCSC should be taken into account in this relatively young and often still professionally active patient group.

Threshold levels of visual field and acuity loss related to significant decreases in the quality of life and emotional states of patients with retinitis pigmentosa

INTRODUCTION

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited retinal disorder, characterized by photoreceptor degeneration inducing progressive vision loss. This study evaluates its impact on quality of life (QOL) and emotional states of patients affected by RP.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 RP patients diagnosed with rod-cone dystrophy and on 20 control subjects. The RP population has been divided into 3 groups according to visual field (VF) and visual acuity (VA) impairments. Concurrently, scores of self-reported QOL (25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire) and of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety/depression assessments were collected.

RESULTS

For the QOL composite score, we noticed consistent differences between all VF and VA affected groups and their control group. We also found significant differences between both the most affected VF group (VF1: ØVF <20°) and VA group (VA1: VA <0.3) compared to other VF and VA groups. For anxiety/depression scores, consistent differences have been found between the control group and VF1 and VA1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This work determines that, for RP patients, a significant QOL and emotional state deterioration correlates with a residual VF diameter below 20° and a VA lower than 0.3. It introduces, for the first time, thresholds to be used in visual restoration or visual preservation therapies to improve QOL of RP patients.

Development of an Elderly Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire for less-developed areas of China

PURPOSE

To develop a quality of life questionnaire appropriate for elderly low-vision patients in less-developed areas of China.

METHODS

The study was conducted at the Wenzhou Medical University Affiliated Eye Hospital. In the initial development of the questionnaire, we identified visual function concerns with individual interviews and designed a questionnaire and an empirical assessment of the questionnaire. Each individual visual function concern was then transformed into a question and put into a rating scale from 0 to 4. Then, questionnaire interviews were conducted on 188 low-vision patients and 63 normal control patients for item reduction and evaluation of psychometric properties.

RESULTS

We first identified 24 concerns that older adults with serious vision loss thought most affected their daily lives. The initial item list of the Elderly Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (ELVQoL) consisted of 28 items, including the 24 identified items and 4 additional concerns about general vision. Psychometric item reduction removed 9 items, and a 19-item questionnaire was generated. Assessment showed that the resulting questionnaire had acceptable internal consistency, reliability, and validity (Cronbach's α > 0.9, mean item-total correlations >0.6, test-retest reliability >0.9, and concurrent validity range from 0.6 to 0.9). Low education level, need for a full range of working distances, and retinal diseases were all predictors of reduced visually related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

A patient-derived ELVQoL Questionnaire was developed specifically for elderly, uneducated, rural Chinese. All the psychometric properties met accepted levels for a disease-specific Qol Questionnaire.

What have we learnt about the management of diabetic macular edema in the antivascular endothelial growth factor and corticosteroid era?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the outcomes of the use of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents and corticosteroids on the treatment paradigm for diabetic macular edema (DME).

RECENT FINDINGS

Favorable efficacy data along with acceptable long-term safety results of anti-VEGF agents have made them the standard first-line therapy in the management of DME. Level I evidence from large, multicenter clinical trials has established the beneficial role of anti-VEGF agents and intravitreal steroids. In addition, the role of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy has also been recently recognized. However, concerns such as suboptimal response, VEGF resistance, and long-term effects on retinal layers and vasculature have also been highlighted recently.

SUMMARY

The use of anti-VEGF agents and corticosteroids has revolutionized the management of DME. Despite the advantages including ease of administration, low incidence of adverse events, and concomitant improvement in retinopathy status, limitations of this therapeutic approach have been recognized. The current review will focus on the lessons learnt in the management of DME in the anti-VEGF and steroid era.

Qualitative and quantitative validation of the FACIT-fatigue scale in iron deficiency anemia

Background

Fatigue is a burdensome symptom in iron deficiency anemia (IDA). To capture the severity and impact of fatigue appropriately it must be measured using validated scales. This study evaluated the content validity and psychometric validity of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - fatigue scale (FACIT-fatigue) in IDA patients.

Methods

Qualitative patient interviews were conducted in the United States to evaluate content validity. The psychometric properties of the FACIT-fatigue scale were investigated using data from a phase 3 clinical trial assessing ferumoxytol in patients with a history of unsatisfactory oral iron therapy or in whom oral iron cannot be used. The statistical analysis assessed the acceptability, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the FACIT-fatigue scale.

Results

Qualitative interviews showed that fatigue is a central concern to IDA patients and that the FACIT-fatigue scale sufficiently assessed this construct. Psychometric assessment demonstrated that the FACIT-fatigue scale was stable over time (ICC = 0.87) and internally consistent (α = 0.93). The scale demonstrated convergence with other conceptually relevant scales such as SF-36 Vitality (r = 0.74), and distinguished between known groups [i.e., treatment arms (mean difference (95 % CI) = 3.56 (1.68, 5.43), p <0.001) and high vs. low hemoglobin groups (mean difference (95 % CI) = 5.51 (8.59, 2.44) p <0.001)]. Responsiveness was also demonstrated; significant improvements in FACIT-fatigue scale scores corresponded with significant differences between minimal, moderate, and much improved vitality cohorts (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This research demonstrated that the FACIT-fatigue scale has sound measurement properties and is an appropriate and interpretable assessment of fatigue among IDA patients with various underlying conditions.

The impact of a better-seeing eye and a worse-seeing eye on vision-related quality of life

PURPOSE

Patients with eye diseases often have a better-seeing eye (BSE) and a worse-seeing eye (WSE). This review will carve out the current knowledge in which the relationship to BSEs and WSEs contributes to overall visual functioning and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL).

METHODS

Searches were from database inception to the current date. Terms used for the search were "better eye", "worse eye", "utility", "life quality", "quality of life", "VFQ-25", and "visual acuity".

RESULTS

There is a lack of a clear definition for BSE and WSE, and the used definitions are regularly dependent on the underlying eye disease. "BSE" and "WSE" can interact in terms of binocular inhibition or summation. Measured influences of the BSE and WSE on VRQoL are dependent on the underlying instrument used for the measurement. Several studies show impaired VRQoL if only one eye is affected from disease, with unimpaired vision of the BSE. VRQoL can improve significantly when treating the BSE and the WSE. In eye diseases with impairment of the central vision, there is a better correlation between the BSE and VRQoL. However, in eye diseases with peripheral vision impairment, eg, glaucoma, functional parameters of the WSE are better predictors for VRQoL.

CONCLUSION

The WSE appears to have a stronger influence on VRQoL than is generally assumed. This is especially the case if the underlying eye disease does not affect central vision but peripheral vision.

Mapping the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) to EQ-5D utility scores

PURPOSE

To develop a mapping algorithm for the estimation of EQ-5D-based utility scores from observed 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) scores, a disease-specific, patient-reported outcome measure used in several retinal disorders to evaluate vision-specific functioning.

METHODS

The dataset comprised 951 paired EQ-5D/NEI VFQ-25 observations from 344 patients in RESTORE, a 12-month, randomized, double-blind trial in individuals with visual impairment due to diabetic macular edema. EQ-5D index scores (utilities) were calculated based on the UK tariff. We evaluated 11 models using predictor sets based on the NEI VFQ-25 subscales to estimate utility as a function of NEI VFQ-25 score, based on four modeling techniques. Model performance was assessed by 10-fold cross-validation comparing root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and correlation with EQ-5D score (Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients).

RESULTS

Mapping results were similar across all techniques and predictor sets. The reverse two-part generalized estimating equation model used fewest predictors and had the best predictive performance (RMSE 0.200, MAE 0.140). Predicted and original EQ-5D values were not strongly correlated (squared Spearman correlation coefficient, 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Although mapping disease-specific instruments to EQ-5D utilities is a preferred method by some reimbursement bodies, finding an appropriate mapping equation is not straightforward. In this study, mapping NEI VFQ-25 scores to EQ-5D utilities provided low predictive power, independent of the modeling methodology applied, suggesting an inability of the EQ-5D to discriminate vision-related activities, and highlighting that mapping exercises may lead to inaccurate utility values that do not represent patients' preferences.

Quality of life, impaired vision and social role in people with diabetes: a multicenter observational study

Diabetic retinopathy may induce visual impairment. We evaluated vision-related quality of life in patients with visual acuity <5/10 in the better eye induced by retinopathy using the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). The NEI VFQ-25 was self-administered to 196 patients in 3 Italian centres (A, B and C; n = 64, 61 and 71, respectively) dedicated to DR screening and treatment. Patients in the 3 centres did not differ by age, gender, occupation and diabetes duration. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that reduced visual acuity was associated with decreased scores for General Vision, Near Activities, Distance Activities, Visual-Specific Social Functioning, Mental Health, Role Difficulties and Dependency, Driving, Colour Vision and Peripheral Vision (p < 0.01, all). Treatment by photocoagulation was associated with reduced scores in General Health (-8.3; p = 0.002), General Vision (-7.2; p = 0.001), Visual-Specific Role Difficulties (-8.8; p = 0.015) and Driving (-13.7; p = 0.003). Centre affiliation was associated with different scores for General Health, Ocular pain, Distance Activities, Visual-Specific Social Functioning and Role Difficulties and Peripheral Vision. Women had higher scores for General Vision (p = 0.015), Near Activities (p = 0.005), Distance Activities (p = 0.006), Visual-Specific Social Functioning (p = 0.03), Visual-Specific Mental Health (p = 0.035) and Colour Vision (p = 0.012). Diabetic retinopathy and vision loss modify the way people perceive their own ability to function autonomously. More data should be collected to confirm this interpretation and to guide the development of more appropriate settings to improve approach and support to patients.