Lens opacities associated with performance-based and self-assessed visual functions.

Barbara E K Klein; Ronald Klein; Michael D Knudtson

doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.03.058

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Lens opacities associated with performance-based and self-assessed visual functions.

Barbara E K Klein·Ronald Klein·Michael D Knudtson

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of lens opacities to performance-based and self-assessed visual function in persons free of other ocular comorbidities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 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.

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Aged Aged, 80 and over Aging Cataract Cohort Studies Contrast Sensitivity Cross-Sectional Studies Humans Lens, Crystalline Middle Aged Self-Assessment Severity of Illness Index Vision Tests Vision, Ocular Visual Acuity Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

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Barbara E K Klein, Ronald Klein, Michael D Knudtson. 2006. Lens opacities associated with performance-based and self-assessed visual functions.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2006.03.058

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