Self-Reported Visual Function Index (VF-14) and Its Correlation with Best Corrected Visual Acuity in Elderly

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the score of self-reported visual function index (VF-14) and its correlation with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the elderly population. Participants were elderly aged 60 years and above recruited from the on-going population-based longitudinal study on neuroprotective model for healthy longevity (TUA). Visual acuity was measured using logMAR chart. A self-reported visual function assessment was measured using modified Bahasa Malaysia Visual Functioning Index (VF-14). A total of 482 (93.05%) from 518 subjects participated in this study. Mean age was 69.18 ± 5.67 years old and mean best corrected VA was 0.21 ± 0.17 logMAR. Mean VF-14 score was 89.65 ± 13.19. Female had lower mean score of self-reported visual function scores compared to male (meanfemale89.21 ± 12.76, meanmale90.11 ± 13.65) but it was not statistically significant (z = -1.09,p = 0.277). There was a moderate but significant correlation between VF-14 score and best corrected VA (r = -0.412, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the best corrected visual acuity alone was not able to become as an indicator to describe changes in VF14 score. This study showed that it only contributes 17.2% to changes in VF14 score. The combination of many other factors such as socio-demographic factors (race, educational status, and health problems), contrast sensitivity and stereopsis should be taken into account when assessing visual function as measured by VF14.

DOI : http://dx.doi.org./10.17576/JSKM-2017-1502-26