Abstract
PurposeTechnological 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.MethodsTwenty‐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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsOur 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.
Highlights
Smartphones, tablets and electronic readers often incorporate basic features such as image enlargement and high-contrast screens that can be used as effective low vision aids.[1]
Reading performance in 26 adults with binocular macular degeneration and a central field defect was assessed using a tablet with an app developed to enhance eccentric reading.[2]
Participants were instructed to read using the eccentric viewing technique, and performance was assessed for single sentences of either static or horizontally-scrolling text
Summary
Smartphones, tablets and electronic readers often incorporate basic features such as image enlargement and high-contrast screens that can be used as effective low vision aids.[1] The capabilities of these devices can be further extended by the development of bespoke apps that are tailored towards specific visual impairments.[2] For example, tablets and smartphones can present text in a range of formats including dynamically as horizontally scrolling lines (similar to a news ‘ticker’) or as a serial stream of words at a single location (rapid-serial visual-presentation – RSVP). Eccentric reading with static and scrolling text. Reading with dynamic formats such as RSVP and scrolling lines involves a different pattern of eye movements[12, 13] to the stereotypical pattern used for reading normally,[14] and could enhance eccentric reading in people with a central field loss.[4, 6, 15]
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