Abstract
Purpose :
The purpose of this study is to analyze responses to the visual function questionnaire (VFQ) given to patients with the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis. Our primary objective is to assess whether the Argus II retinal prosthesis improved the quality of life of patients with profound retinal dystrophy over two years. We also aim to assess whether the VFQ scores correlated with visual function outcomes.
Methods :
Five patients with profound retinal dystrophy were enrolled in this single institution cohort study. All surgeries were completed by a single surgeon at Stony Brook University Hospital. A VFQ was given to patients at baseline prior to implantation of Argus II Retinal Prosthesis and at year 1 and year 2 post implantation. Visual function data (Direction of Motion (DOM) and Square Localization (SL)) and OCT images (Cirrus-SD-OCT) were extracted from the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Post Approval Study. Distances between electrode array-retina gap were measured at each electrode on the array with the Cirrus SD-OCT caliper measurement tool. Visual function tests were performed with the device OFF and ON at each visit. Data analysis was completed using IBM SPSS.
Results :
‘VFQ-Social Functioning’ score showed a statistically significant increase from M0 to M24 (paired t-test, p<0.05). Spearman’s correlation tests showed a strong positive association between direction of motion (DOM) and ‘VFQ-Dependency’ from M12 to M24 (rs = 0.745, p<0.05). There was additionally a strong negative association between square localization (SL) and ‘VFQ-Ocular Pain’ from M12 to M24 (rs = -0.701, p<0.05). Finally, a strong, positive association between electrode array-retinal gap distance and ‘VFQ-Dependency' was found (rs = 0.778, p<0.05).
Conclusions :
This study demonstrates that results on portions of the visual function questionnaire for the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis patients were significantly predicted by visual function outcomes. The VFQ thus can serve as a bridge between the patient’s satisfaction with the implant and the clinical data in the form of square localization and direction of motion test accuracy. It is also essential to fully consider the VFQ results when assessing patients postoperatively, and can be helpful when used in long-term management.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.