The African American Eye Disease Study: Design and Methods

ABSTRACTPurpose: To describe the study design, operational and recruitment strategies, procedures, and baseline characteristics of the African American Eye Disease Study (AFEDS), a population-based assement of the prevalence of visual impairment, ocular disease, visual function, and health-related quality of life in African Americans.Methods: This population-based, cross-sectional study included over 6000 African Americans 40 years and older residing in and around Inglewood, California. A detailed interview and eye examination was performed on each eligible participant. The interview included an assessment of demographic, behavioral, and ocular risk factors and health-related and vision-related quality of life. The eye examination included measurements of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, visual fields; fundus and optic disc photography; a detailed anterior and posterior segment examination; and measurements of blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and blood glucose levels.Results: The AFEDS ...