Visual Function Measurements in Eyes With Diabetic Retinopathy: An Expert Opinion on Available Measures

Visual function impairment from diabetic retinopathy can have a considerable impact on patient's quality of life. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is most commonly used to assess visual function and guide clinical trials. However, BCVA is affected late in the disease process, is not affected in early disease, and does not capture some of the visual disturbances described by patients with diabetes. The goal of this report is to evaluate the relationship between diabetic retinal disease (DRD) and visual function parameters to determine which if any of them may be used in a future DRD staging system.