The value of tablets as reading aids for individuals with central visual field loss:an evaluation of eccentric reading with static and scrolling text

Abstract

Purpose: Technological devices such as smartphones and tablets are widely available and increasingly used as visual aids. This study evaluated the use of a novel app for tablets (MD_evReader) developed as a reading aid for individuals with a central field loss resulting from macular degeneration. The MD_evReader app scrolls text as single lines (similar to a news ticker) and is intended to enhance reading performance using the eccentric viewing technique by both reducing the demands on the eye movement system and minimising the deleterious effects of perceptual crowding. Reading performance with scrolling text was compared with reading static sentences, also presented on a tablet computer. Methods: Twenty-six people with low vision (diagnosis of macular degeneration) read static or dynamic text (scrolled from right to left), presented as a single line at high contrast on a tablet device. Reading error rates and comprehension were recorded for both text formats, and the participant’s subjective experience of reading with the app was assessed using a simple questionnaire. Results: The average reading speed for static and dynamic text was not significantly different and equal to or greater than 85 words per minute. The comprehension scores for both text formats were also similar, equal to approximately 95% correct. However, reading error rates were significantly (p=0.02) less for dynamic text than for static text. The participants’ questionnaire ratings of their reading experience with the MD_evReader were highly positive and indicated a preference for reading with this app compared with their usual method. Conclusions: Our data show that reading performance with scrolling text is at least equal to that achieved with static text and in some respects (reading error rate) is better than static text. Bespoke apps informed by an understanding of the underlying sensorimotor processes involved in a cognitive task such as reading have excellent potential as aids for people with visual impairments.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/opo.12296
Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Optometry
College of Health & Life Sciences > Clinical and Systems Neuroscience
College of Health & Life Sciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Vision, Hearing and Language
College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Optometry > Centre for Vision and Hearing Research
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: © 2016 The Authors Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of College of Optometrists. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Funding: ESRC
Uncontrolled Keywords: eccentric viewing,scrolling text,reading,low vision,macular degeneration,Ophthalmology,Optometry,Sensory Systems
Publication ISSN: 1475-1313
Last Modified: 26 Dec 2024 08:07
Date Deposited: 25 Apr 2016 10:35
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
http://onlineli ... .12296/abstract (Publisher URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2016-07-01
Published Online Date: 2016-04-07
Accepted Date: 2016-03-02
Submitted Date: 2015-11-20
Authors: Walker, Robin
Bryan, Lauren
Harvey, Hannah
Riazi, Afsane
Anderson, Stephen J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-5719-2846)

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