Article

PURPOSE: Evaluate the construct validity and describe sensitivity, specificity
and predictive value of two short charts of visual acuity (VA) and examine
whether these can identify and detect signs of visual impairment among older
people. The study included 43 persons, >65 years, with age related eye
disease, living in their own homes. An ophthalmologist assessed the individuals'
VA at an eye clinic with the 5 m KM chart. A research assistant assessed
individuals' VA by the 1 m KM chart and the Visual Acuity Screening Test in their
home environment. RESULTS: All persons with a VA level of <0.5 were correctly
identified by both instruments. The instruments have good positive and negative
predictive values for the 1 m KM chart (73% and 100%) and for the Visual Acuity
Screening Test (69% and 100%). The construct validity between the instruments was
good, but the assessment at the eye clinic assessed the participants as having
higher VA level. CONCLUSIONS: Both instruments have good construct validity,
considering they were carried out in poorer lighting conditions and a good
predictive value for screening out VA levels <0.5. The 1 m KM chart showed the
best agreement with the 5 m KM chart.

Langue : ANGLAIS