[The VF-14 index of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the Visual Function 14(VF-14) index of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).


METHODS
Seventy-two patients with corneal disease who were treated by PTK participated in this study between March 1999 and September 2002. Demographic, ocular history, best-corrected visual acuity, and detailed ocular examination data were collected. Functional visual impairment information was obtained by questionnaire covering the following: VF-14, Cataract Symptom Score, and satisfaction with vision.


RESULTS
The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the eye scheduled for PTK was 0.67+/-0.63(mean +/- standard deviation) the logarithm of the minimum angle resolution (logMAR) whereas that of the post-operated eye was 0.34+/-0.38 logMAR. The mean VF-14 score, Cataract Symptom Score, and satisfaction with vision were improved significantly after the treatment. The satisfaction with vision was correlated with the VF-14 score and the Cataract Symptom Score. The VF-14 scores of all of the patients whose pre-PTK VF-14 scores were under 50 were improved after PTK.


CONCLUSIONS
The VF-14 is a valid measure of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by PTK.
Fujita
Atsuko
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Hirokoji, Kawaramachi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602 0841, Japan. atsuko@saturn.dti.re.jp
Hieda
Osamu
O
Nakajima
Nobuko
N
Kinoshita
Shigeru
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*