Lens opacities associated with performance-based and self-assessed visual functions.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship of lens opacities to performance-based and self-assessed visual function in persons free of other ocular comorbidities.


METHODS
Cross-sectional cohort study.


METHODS
Beaver Dam Eye Study participants.


METHODS
Lens photographs were taken and graded by protocols for age-related lens opacities. During the study evaluation, best-corrected visual acuity, near vision, and contrast sensitivity (performance-based visual functions) were measured. Questions were asked about visual function in particular settings (self-assessed visual functions).


RESULTS
After the exclusion of other ocular comorbidities, performance-based visual functions were associated significantly (P< or =0.001 for each association) with severity of lens opacities, including relatively early lens opacities. Self-assessed visual functions were associated less consistently with severity of lens opacities (P<0.02 for all). In age-stratified analyses, there were fewer significant associations of self-assessed visual functions with severity of lens opacities for persons younger than 65 years than for persons 65 or older.


CONCLUSIONS
Lens opacities across the range of severities were associated with measurable decreases in visual functions; the associations, especially for self-assessed functions, tended to be greater at older ages. It is likely that successful measures to decrease the severity of lens opacities will have a greater impact on older persons.
Klein
Barbara E K
BE
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin 53726, USA. kleinb@epi.ophth.wisc.edu
Klein
Ronald
R
Knudtson
Michael D
MD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002386:Cataract / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014787:Vision Tests; D014785:Vision, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity