June 2023
Volume 64, Issue 8
Open Access
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   June 2023
The Association of Contrast Sensitivity with Eye Disease, Falls, and Vision-Related Quality of Life
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Katie Flaharty
    Ophthalmology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Leslie M. Niziol
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Maria A. Woodward
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Angela Elam
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Amanda Bicket
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • OLIVIA KILLEEN
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Jason Zhang
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Leroy Johnson
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Martha Kershaw
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • David C Musch
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Paula Anne Newman-Casey
    University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships   Katie Flaharty None; Leslie Niziol None; Maria Woodward None; Angela Elam None; Amanda Bicket None; OLIVIA KILLEEN None; Jason Zhang None; Leroy Johnson None; Martha Kershaw None; David Musch None; Paula Anne Newman-Casey None
  • Footnotes
    Support  Center for Disease Control and Prevention U01 DP006442-01
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science June 2023, Vol.64, 4229. doi:
  • Views
  • Share
  • Tools
    • Alerts
      ×
      This feature is available to authenticated users only.
      Sign In or Create an Account ×
    • Get Citation

      Katie Flaharty, Leslie M. Niziol, Maria A. Woodward, Angela Elam, Amanda Bicket, OLIVIA KILLEEN, Jason Zhang, Leroy Johnson, Martha Kershaw, David C Musch, Paula Anne Newman-Casey; The Association of Contrast Sensitivity with Eye Disease, Falls, and Vision-Related Quality of Life. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2023;64(8):4229.

      Download citation file:


      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

      ×
  • Supplements
Abstract

Purpose : To investigate the utility of contrast sensitivity (CS) as a screening tool to detect eye disease and assess its association with vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) and falls among participants enrolled in the Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program.

Methods : Adults in communities surrounding a free clinic and a federally qualified health center were recruited to MI-SIGHT. Ophthalmic technicians administered surveys (demographics, history of falls, 9-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire [VFQ-9]) and conducted ophthalmic measurements, including measurement of contrast sensitivity (CS) for each eye using the Pelli-Robson chart (normal >1.5). Logistic regression was used to model the effect of CS on the probability of eye disease adjusting for age, and on the probability of falls adjusting for age and disability status. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to investigate the ability of CS to discriminate participants with eye disease and reported with area under the curve (AUC) estimates. Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of CS on VFQ-9 scores, adjusting for age. Linear model estimates and odds ratios (OR) are reported for a 0.3-unit increase in CS of the better eye (1 line improvement) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results : Of the 1171 first-year MI-SIGHT participants, CS was measured on 1159 (99%). CS was on average 1.58 in the better eye (SD=0.20). Increased (better) CS was associated with a decreased odds of screening positive for glaucoma (OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.88), diabetic retinopathy (OR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.66), cataract (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.97), and age-related macular degeneration [AMD] (OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.97). However, the ability of CS alone to discriminate disease was low (range of AUC, 0.57 [glaucoma] to 0.73 [AMD]). Increased CS was associated with better VRQOL (VFQ-9 composite score outcome estimate=7.1, 95% CI: 5.7,8.4). Increased CS was also associated with decreased odds of feelings of unsteadiness (OR=0.732, 95% CI: 0.590, 0.909) and worry about falling (OR=0.731, 95% CI: 0.587, 0.911).

Conclusions : While CS alone is not a sound screening metric to identify people who need referral for eye care, it is an important metric of visual function and is associated both with VRQOL and fear of falling.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.

×
×

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

Sign in or purchase a subscription to access this content. ×

You must be signed into an individual account to use this feature.

×