Evaluating cataract surgery gains by assessing patients' quality of life using the VF-7.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the development and performance of a questionnaire designed to measure functional impairment caused by cataract.


METHODS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
The VF-7 was a strong predictor of change in patient satisfaction caused by cataract surgery.
Uusitalo
R J
RJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Brans
T
T
Pessi
T
T
Tarkkanen
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity