Self-reported visual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: new data from the VFQ-25 and development of an MS-specific vision questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To examine vision-specific health-related quality of life in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) using the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25), and to identify content areas for a brief MS-specific vision questionnaire.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
The VFQ-25 and a modified version of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) Patient Questionnaire were administered by in-person interview to 80 patients at the University of Pennsylvania MS Center. Binocular visual acuities were obtained following a standard protocol using retroilluminated Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts.


RESULTS
Despite a median binocular visual acuity of 20/16 (20/12.5-20/250), VFQ-25 subscale scores in the MS cohort were significantly lower (worse) compared with those of a published reference group of eye disease-free patients (P =.0001-0.009, two-tailed t tests). Rank-correlations of VFQ-25 composite (overall) scores with visual acuity were modest, but significant (r(s) = 0.33, P =.003), supporting construct validity for VFQ-25 scores in MS populations. Seven additional aspects of self-reported visual dysfunction in MS were also identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with MS have a high degree of self-reported visual dysfunction that is not entirely captured by visual acuity. The VFQ-25 is an effective measure of self-reported visual loss in MS. A brief MS-specific vision questionnaire may provide additional useful information when administered concurrently with the VFQ-25 in future investigations of MS and other neuroophthalmologic disorders.
Ma
Siu-Ling
SL
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Shea
Judy A
JA
Galetta
Steven L
SL
Jacobs
Dina A
DA
Markowitz
Clyde E
CE
Maguire
Maureen G
MG
Balcer
Laura J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012016:Reference Values; D012650:Self Disclosure; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology