Utility Values and Age-related Macular Degeneration

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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.

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