[The VF-14 index of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy].

Abstract To evaluate the Visual Function 14(VF-14) index of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Seventy-two patients with corneal disease who were treated by PTK participated in this study between March 1999 and September 2002. Demographic, ocular history, best-corrected visual acuity, and detailed ocular examination data were collected. Functional visual impairment information was obtained by questionnaire covering the following: VF-14, Cataract Symptom Score, and satisfaction with vision. The mean best-corrected visual acuity of the eye scheduled for PTK was 0.67+/-0.63(mean +/- standard deviation) the logarithm of the minimum angle resolution (logMAR) whereas that of the post-operated eye was 0.34+/-0.38 logMAR. The mean VF-14 score, Cataract Symptom Score, and satisfaction with vision were improved significantly after the treatment. The satisfaction with vision was correlated with the VF-14 score and the Cataract Symptom Score. The VF-14 scores of all of the patients whose pre-PTK VF-14 scores were under 50 were improved after PTK. The VF-14 is a valid measure of functional visual impairment in patients with corneal disease treated by PTK.