Influence of Distance and Near Visual Impairment on Self-Reported Near Visual Functioning in a Multinational Study

PurposeTo assess the influence of distance and near visual impairment on self-reported functioning (VF) in a multinational study.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study.ParticipantsParticipants aged 35 years or older were selected randomly with cluster sampling at 7 sites: rural sites Nepal (Kaski) India (Madurai), semirural site China (Shunyi), semiurban South Africa (Durban) Niger (Dosso), urban United States (Los Angeles) (Guangzhou).MethodsBinocular presenting acuity (VA) measured logarithm minimum angle resolution tumbling E chart 4 m 40 cm, respectively. A 12-item VF questionnaire interview was administered by trained local interviewers, responses scored from 100 to 0 as disability increased. Multiple linear regression used investigate association age, gender, education, VA overall eyesight, difficulty activities, social subscale scores.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual scores.ResultsThe study sample consisted 6851 respondents. The scores decreased significantly worse VA, even mildly impaired could result reduced VF. Lower associated age sites, female gender 3 greater education 2 sites. than 1 site, more influential VA. With included modeling, lower for eyesight (compared Shunyi reference site) found Guangzhou, Kaski, Durban; activities Kaski Durban, but better Guangzhou Madurai; Dosso.ConclusionsAlong entire spectrum, levels led significant reductions scores, wide variation both within between impact vision should receive emphasis further investigation various socioeconomic cultural settings. To study. Population-based Participants (Guangzhou). Binocular scores. Visual Dosso. Along