Self-reported visual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: new data from the VFQ-25 and development of an MS-specific vision questionnaire

Validation and Test Characteristics of a 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to the NEI-VFQ-25

“…2,3,13,22,23,27 Our investigation likewise showed significant correlations between the 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement scores and visual acuities measured binocularly and with each eye separately. Scores for all questionnaires (NEI-VFQ-25, 10-Item Supplement, and NEI-VFQ-25 ϩ Supplement) were significantly lower (9 to 21 points worse) among patients with binocular acuities worse than 20/20.…”

“…Scores for all questionnaires (NEI-VFQ-25, 10-Item Supplement, and NEI-VFQ-25 ϩ Supplement) were significantly lower (9 to 21 points worse) among patients with binocular acuities worse than 20/20. Binocular visual acuities, which are increasingly recognized as providing a measure of overall visual function as is present for daily activities, were significant predictors of questionnaire scores in our patient cohorts and in previous studies of visual function and HRQOL in patients with MS. 2,24,42 These correlations were modest, despite their significance, with magnitudes of r s ϭ 0.33 (P ϭ .003) in a previous MS cohort that examined binocular high-contrast acuity vs NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores. 2 Correlations were similar in the present cohort, and the low yet significant magnitude may reflect the subjective nature of HRQOL assessment and the relative values that are placed on particular domains of vision-specific HRQOL (driving, for example) by patients.…”

“…This questionnaire, which was described earlier, was designed on the basis of the survey and focus group methods in patients with MS, ocular myasthenia gravis, and other conditions that cause diplopia. 2 A composite (overall) score for the 10-Item Supplement was calculated as the unweighted average of the 10 items. To generate a combined score for the NEI-VFQ-25 with the 10-Item Supplement, the unweighted average of NEI-VFQ-25 (except item 1 [general health]) and Supplement items (average of 34 items) was determined.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] There are a variety of HRQOL questionnaires such as the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the Visual Activities Questionnaire, and the Activities of Daily Vision Scale. 6 -16 However, the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25) has be-come the most commonly used questionnaire that measures vision-specific HRQOL (Tamhankar MA, abstract, presented at the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society Annual Meeting, March 2003).…”

“…2,5 The purpose of our study was to determine whether a 10-Item Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement increases the capacity of the NEI-VFQ-25 to capture self-reported visual dysfunction in patients with neuro-ophthalmologic disorders. We also examined reliability, floor/ceiling effects, and other psychometric properties for the Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement to determine the potential usefulness for future clinical trials and epidemiologic studies.…”