National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire: usefulness in glaucoma.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25) is widely used to evaluate vision-related quality of life in glaucoma patients.
• Glaucoma significantly impacts NEI-VFQ-25 scores, with effects correlating to visual field loss severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of glaucoma on the NEI-VFQ-25.
• To identify potential improvements for the NEI-VFQ-25 to enhance its responsiveness in glaucoma patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of NEI-VFQ-25 composite and subscale scores in glaucoma patients.
• Correlation of NEI-VFQ-25 scores with glaucomatous visual field loss severity.

Main Results:

• Glaucoma negatively affects overall and specific NEI-VFQ-25 scores.
• The degree of negative impact is linked to the severity of visual field loss.

Conclusions:

• The NEI-VFQ-25 is sensitive to the effects of glaucoma on quality of life.
• Incorporating contrast sensitivity, glare, and dark adaptation items could improve the NEI-VFQ-25's utility for glaucoma patients.