Sensitivity and specificity evaluation of refractive condition self-assessment

The self-report questionnaires could be used as alternative tests to detect refractive errors, although objective and subjective refraction are considered the gold standard procedure. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of two self-questionnaires (Q1 and Q2) to identify refractive status. Q1 required to identify refractive error by only scientific term: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. In Q2, the options combine the scientific term with a descriptive explanation. A multi-center, randomized double-blind study was conducted. Two hundred and forty-five participants completed one of two questionnaires before a non-cycloplegic eye examination by an optometrist. Sensitivity and specificity were determined comparing the self-reported responses with the classification obtained from subjective refraction. For myopia, the Q1 and Q2 reported a good sensitivity and specificity. The relationship between the operating characteristics of Q1 and Q2 was evaluated by the ROC curve. Both the questionnaires used in the study resulted reliable for identifying myopia although they were not highly accurate for the identification of the remaining visual defects.