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Self-reported visual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: new data from the VFQ-25 and development of an MS-specific
Siu-Ling Ma1, Judy A Shea, Steven L Galetta
1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 7, 2002
Summary
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) report significant vision problems not fully measured by standard acuity tests. The VFQ-25 effectively captures this visual dysfunction, suggesting a need for MS-specific vision assessments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes visual dysfunction.
- Assessing vision-specific quality of life is crucial for MS patient care.
- Existing tools may not fully capture the visual impact of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vision-specific health-related quality of life in MS patients using the VFQ-25.
- To identify key areas for a specialized MS vision questionnaire.
- To validate the VFQ-25 in an MS cohort.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 80 MS patients.
- Administered the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and a modified ONTT questionnaire.
- Measured binocular visual acuity using standard charts.
Main Results:
- MS patients reported significantly worse VFQ-25 scores compared to controls.
- VFQ-25 composite scores showed modest but significant correlation with visual acuity.
- Seven additional aspects of visual dysfunction specific to MS were identified.
Conclusions:
- MS patients experience substantial self-reported visual dysfunction beyond visual acuity.
- The VFQ-25 is a valid and effective tool for assessing visual loss in MS.
- A brief MS-specific questionnaire could complement the VFQ-25 for comprehensive assessment.