Utility Values and Age-related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

UTILITY THEORY is derived from economic models that deal with uncertain conditions and can be useful in quantifying signs and symptoms related to health care.^1,2 In the health care arena, utility values allow an objective measurement of the desirability of a health (disease) state. By convention,^2,3 a value of 1.0 indicates a reference state of perfect health and a value of 0.0 signifies death. The higher a utility (utility value) patients have, the higher the patient's perception of their quality of life associated with a health state, and the more the patients are satisfied with their ability to function effectively in life's daily activities. Conversely, a lower utility value signifies a lesser quality of life associated with a health state, and implies less satisfaction with a patient's ability to function in routine daily activities.