title: Assessment of quality of life in patients with visual impairments using a new visual function questionnaire: the VFQ-J11.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the present study was to assess the vision-related quality of life (QOL) of visually impaired patients using the Japanese 11-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-J11). Comparisons with the 25-item version (VFQ-25) and the EuroQoL Index using a large group of patients with various degrees of impairments and various causative diseases were performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 232 visually impaired Japanese patients were recruited from six ophthalmology departments in Japan. Information on ophthalmic findings and patient backgrounds was collected, and information on QOL and utility assessments was collected from the patients by means of survey questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age of patients was 69.6±14.3 years. Both the vision-related QOL scores (VFQ-25 composite and VFQ-J11) were significantly associated with better and worse visual acuity (VA) in visually impaired subjects (allP<0.01). VFQ-J11 was comparable to VFQ-25 regardless of causative diseases. VFQ-25 composite and the VFQ-J11 scores were concurrently associated with a range of systemic medical disorders. EuroQoL Index had a significant association with better eye VA (P<0.01), but not with worse eye VA, or any systemic disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VFQ-J11 provides valid data on vision-related QOL and is less of a burden for patients with vision problems.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Jikei University School of Medicine.
authors: Tadashi
authors: T
authors: Nakano
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine.
authors: Motoko
authors: M
authors: Kawashima
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo.
authors: Yoshimune
authors: Y
authors: Hiratsuka
authors: Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Kyoto University; Division of Medical Information Technology & Administration Planning, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto.
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Tamura
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center.
authors: Koichi
authors: K
authors: Ono
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo.
authors: Akira
authors: A
authors: Murakami
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine.
authors: Kazuo
authors: K
authors: Tsubota
authors: National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Hospital Organization Tokyo Medical Center; Department of Ophthalmology, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors: Masakazu
authors: M
authors: Yamada
keywords: EQ-5D; VFQ-25; quality of life; utility; visual acuity; visual impairment