Correlations between the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire and visual function parameters in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Purpose To validate the use of best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low‐luminance visual acuity (LLVA), low‐luminance deficit (LLD; the difference between BCVA and LLVA), mean macular sensitivity and fixation stability as parameters of vision‐related quality of life based on the novel Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire (MRDQ) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Methods In this prospective cross sectional study, 30 patients with RP (47% female) were included with a median age of 41.0 years (interquartile range: 24.1–58.3 years). BCVA, LLVA and LLD were measured with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) charts. Mesopic microperimetry was performed to measure mean macular sensitivity and fixation stability. Patients completed a Dutch translation of the MRDQ which results in an experienced disability (Θ‐)score of seven domains. Spearman's rank correlation was used. Results BCVA correlated significantly to the MRDQ domain of central vision (r = 0.657; p