Validity and reliability study of Turkish version on low vision with quality of life questionnaire

Validation of the Spanish version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire

PURPOSE

To validate the Spanish Low Vision Qualify of Life (SLVQOL) questionnaire, a quality of life instrument specifically designed for patients with visual impairment, and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

The study included 170 visually impaired patients and 195 healthy subjects. Participants were administered the SLVQOL, the NEI VFQ-25, and the EQ 5D-5L questionnaires. Reliability, test-retest reproducibility, feasibility, and construct validity of the SLVQOL were assessed. The Generalized Partial Credit Model was used to fit the data and the performance of each item was characterized using category response curves and item information.

RESULTS

The reliability of the SLVQOL was 0.981 (95% CI: 0.978-0.985). Test-retest reproducibility was good (ρ=0.864, P<.001). A cut-off point of 105 or 106 was optimal to detect visual impairment, with a sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity of 91.8%. Construct validity was shown by the corresponding convergence or divergence correlations between the score of the SLVQOL and its dimensions and the overall and partial scores of the NEI VFQ-25 and the EQ 5D-5L. Item response theory analysis showed discrimination and information parameters ranging from 0.539 to 3.063 and from -1.894 to 1.074, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The SLVQOL was able to quantitatively assess and identify differences in the quality of life among patients with visual impairment and normal subjects. The evaluated psychometric properties suggest that this tool has excellent validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility, but may benefit from a reduction of the number of items.

Comparison of Quality of Life Questionnaires in Patients with Low Vision

Objectives:

To compare the quality of life assessed by the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (LVQOL) and National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) in patients with low vision.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 64 consecutive patients who presented to the Ankara University Low Vision Rehabilitation Department for the first time were included in the study. Patients aged 18 or older who had a best-corrected visual acuity of less than 20/60 or a visual field of equal to or less than 20° from the fixation point in the better eye were included. After examination, the patients were asked to complete the LVQOL and NEI VFQ-25 questionnaires.

Results:

A very strong correlation was found between the total scores of the two questionnaires. A strong correlation was found between the “distance vision” subscale score of LVQOL and “distance activities” subscale score of NEI VFQ-25. There was also a strong correlation between the “reading and fine work” subscale score of LVQOL and “near activities” subscale score of NEI VFQ-25. There was a weak correlation between the LVQOL total score and visual acuity. There were moderate negative correlations between age at disease onset and the total scores of the two questionnaires.

Conclusion:

Both the LVQOL and NEI VFQ-25 are able to quantify the quality of life of individuals with low vision and it is possible to compare the studies carried out with these two questionnaires which are validated in Turkish.

A Common Approach to Low Vision: Examination and Rehabilitation of the Patient with Low Vision

Due to the increasing age of the global population, rates of visual disability are increasing. Visual rehabilitation is an effective method for increasing quality of life among individuals with low vision or blindness due to unpreventable or untreatable causes. The goal of low vision rehabilitation is to produce people who are independent, have an economically viable profession or skill, and are able to enjoy their lives. The stages of modern low vision rehabilitation include the intake interview, assessment of residual visual functions, assessment of residual functional vision, interventions and recommendations, and vision rehabilitation therapies.

Responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference of the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire after cataract surgery

AIM

To investigate the Chinese version of the Low Vision Quality of Life Questionnaire (CLVQOL) as an instrument for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery.

METHODS

Patients underwent cataract surgery in Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who fit the inclusion criteria were recruited. Two CLVQOLs were administered, including a preoperative CLVQOL and a CLVQOL at the end of the 3mo follow-up period, and were completed using face-to-face interviews or phone interviews conducted by trained investigators. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was calculated using an anchor-based method and a distribution method. In addition, the responsiveness of the questionnaire was measured.

RESULTS

A total of 155 residents were enrolled. The average visual acuity (VA) preoperatively was 0.08 (SD=0.05), and it increased to 0.47 (SD=0.28) at the end of follow-up. Statistically significant positive changes in the CLVQOL scores indicated significant improvement of vision related quality of life after cataract surgery. With the larger value between the two results as the final value, the MCID values of the CLVQOL (scores of the four scales as well as the total score) were 8.94, 2.61, 4.34, 3.10 and 17.63, respectively. The CLVQOL has both good internal and external responsiveness.

CONCLUSION

CLVQOL scores are appropriate instruments for obtaining clinically important changes after cataract surgery. This study is an effective exploration for establishing cataract surgery efficacy standards, which helps clinical and scientific research workers in ophthalmology to gain a more in-depth understanding when using CLVQOL.

Low Vision Rehabilitation in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnosis distribution, low vision rehabilitation methods and utilization of low vision rehabilitation in partially sighted persons over 65 years old.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred thirty-nine partially sighted geriatric patients aged 65 years or older were enrolled to the study between May 2012 and September 2013. Patients' age, gender and the distribution of diagnosis were recorded. The visual acuity of the patients both for near and distance were examined with and without low vision devices and the methods of low vision rehabilitation were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 79.7 years and the median age was 80 years. Ninety-six (69.1%) of the patients were male and 43 (30.9%) were female. According to the distribution of diagnosis, the most frequent diagnosis was senile macular degeneration for both presenile and senile age groups. The mean best corrected visual acuity for distance was 0.92±0.37 logMAR and 4.75±3.47 M for near. The most frequently used low vision rehabilitation methods were telescopic glasses (59.0%) for distance and hyperocular glasses (66.9%) for near vision. A significant improvement in visual acuity both for distance and near vision were determined with low vision aids.

CONCLUSION

The causes of low vision in presenile and senile patients in our study were similar to those of patients from developed countries. A significant improvement in visual acuity can be achieved both for distance and near vision with low vision rehabilitation in partially sighted geriatric patients. It is important to guide them to low vision rehabilitation.