Low Vision Referral Patterns in Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Purpose

Sparse data exist regarding low vision (LV) services referral patterns. We retrospectively examined our institution’s intermediate age-related macular degeneration (iAMD) patients to determine factors influencing referral.

Methods

We compared visual acuity (VA) and Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) composite and subscale scores for referred and non-referred iAMD patients. VA was collected at time of referral or most recent visit, and VFQ-25 was taken upon enrollment into the registry.

Results

Thirty-six (15.5%) of the 232 iAMD patients were referred to LV. Referred patients were more likely to have older age, worse VA in both eyes, and lower VFQ-25 scores. Univariate analysis of VFQ-25 subscales demonstrated worse scores in general vision, near, distance, mental health, role limitations, dependency, and driving. Multivariable analysis revealed lower scores in general health, general vision, and driving. Forty-eight percent of non-referred patients had VA or VFQ-25 composite scores at least as poor as the median for referred patients. Two-thirds of patients who were not referred had no discernable obstacle to referral.

Conclusions

Our institution refers patients with worse objective and functioning vision, but more patients may benefit from referral. Future studies should identify metrics to prompt referral and evaluate this approach.

Keywords:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• low vision rehabilitation
• low vision

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, RL. The data are not publicly available in order to maintain the privacy of research participants.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01EY032456 (AML); a Research to Prevent Blindness grant to the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado; the Frederic C. Hamilton Macular Degeneration Center, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center Research Fund; and by NIH/NCATS Colorado CTSA under Grant Number UL1 TR002535. No commercial relationship existed in the form of financial support or personal financial interest.