scholarly journals Reconciling print-size and display-size constraints on reading

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (48) ◽  
pp. 30276-30284
Author(s):  
Nilsu Atilgan ◽  
Ying-Zi Xiong ◽  
Gordon E. Legge
Keyword(s):  
Display Size ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Size Constraints ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Dual Constraints ◽  
Digital Formats ◽  
Print Size

Two fundamental constraints limit the number of characters in text that can be displayed at one time—print size and display size. These dual constraints conflict in two important situations—when people with normal vision read text on small digital displays, and when people with low vision read magnified text. Here, we describe a unified framework for evaluating the joint impact of these constraints on reading performance. We measured reading speed as a function of print size for three digital formats (laptop, tablet, and cellphone) for 30 normally sighted and 10 low-vision participants. Our results showed that a minimum number of characters per line is required to achieve a criterion of 80% of maximum reading speed: 13 characters for normally sighted and eight characters for low-vision readers. This critical number of characters is nearly constant across font and display format. Possible reasons for this required number of characters are discussed. Combining these character count constraints with the requirements for adequate print size reveals that an individual’s use of a small digital display or the need for magnified print can shrink or entirely eliminate the range of print size necessary for achieving maximum reading speed.

scholarly journals Simulating Visibility and Reading Performance in Low Vision

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Zi Xiong ◽  
Quan Lei ◽  
Aurélie Calabrèse ◽  
Gordon E. Legge
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Contrast Sensitivity ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Digital Text ◽  
Reading Acuity ◽  
Vision Simulation ◽  
Print Size ◽  
Better Than

PurposeLow vision reduces text visibility and causes difficulties in reading. A valid low-vision simulation could be used to evaluate the accessibility of digital text for readers with low vision. We examined the validity of a digital simulation for replicating the text visibility and reading performance of low-vision individuals.MethodsLow-vision visibility was modeled with contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) with parameters to represent reduced acuity and contrast sensitivity. Digital filtering incorporating these CSFs were applied to digital versions of the Lighthouse Letter Acuity Chart and the Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity Chart. Reading performance (reading acuity, critical print size, and maximum reading speed) was assessed with filtered versions of the MNREAD reading acuity Chart. Thirty-six normally sighted young adults completed chart testing under normal and simulated low-vision conditions. Fifty-eight low-vision subjects (thirty with macular pathology and twenty-eight with non-macular pathology) and fifteen normally sighted older subjects completed chart testing with their habitual viewing. We hypothesized that the performance of the normally sighted young adults under simulated low-vision conditions would match the corresponding performance of actual low-vision subjects.ResultsWhen simulating low-vision conditions with visual acuity better than 1.50 logMAR (Snellen 20/630) and contrast sensitivity better than 0.15 log unit, the simulation adequately reduced the acuity and contrast sensitivity in normally sighted young subjects to the desired low-vision levels. When performing the MNREAD test with simulated low vision, the normally sighted young adults had faster maximum reading speed than both the Non-macular and Macular groups, by an average of 0.07 and 0.12 log word per minute, respectively. However, they adequately replicated the reading acuity as well as the critical print size, up to 2.00 logMAR of both low-vision groups.ConclusionA low-vision simulation based on clinical measures of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity can provide good estimates of reading performance and the accessibility of digital text for a broad range of low-vision conditions.

Relative-size Magnification versus Relative-distance Magnification: Effect on the Reading Performance of Adults with Normal and Low Vision

1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 433-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Lovie-Kitchin ◽  
Steve Whittaker
Keyword(s):  
Low Vision ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Relative Distance ◽  
Normal Vision ◽  
Optical Correction ◽  
Character Size ◽  
Print Size ◽  
Reading Distance ◽  
Magnification Effect

In the study reported here, the effect of character size on the reading rates of adults with normal and low vision was measured using both relative-size magnification (by which the print size is increased) and relative-distance magnification (by which the reading distance is decreased with appropriate optical correction). With relative-distance magnification, the reading rates of the subjects with normal vision were slower at close distances, but the results were small and inconsistent. For the subjects with low vision, the magnification method did not affect their reading rates.

Does Inverting Text Improve Reading Performance in Homonymous Hemianopes?

Perception ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 26 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 77-77
Author(s):  
M R Baker ◽  
J Henderson ◽  
A Hill
Keyword(s):  
Eye Movements ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Visual Field Loss ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Sensory Level ◽  
Eye Tracker ◽  
Cognitive Component ◽  
The Right

Anecdotal information from rehabilitation practice of reading performance and low-vision practice suggests that where right homonymous parafoveal field loss impairs reading at the visual-sensory level, an improvement in reading speed can be achieved by inverting the text. This is because whilst left-field loss is considered to impair return eye movements to the beginning of a line, right-field loss is considered to reduce the spatial size of the perceptual window and increase its temporal extent by prolonging fixations times, reducing the amplitudes of saccades to the right, and introducing frequent regressive saccades. Inverting the text was thought to reverse these effects as the leading edge of the perceptual window is ‘returned’ to the sighted field so that in-line saccades can be visually guided. Here we report that this does not appear to be the case. In our study we measured the eye movements of patients with right homonymous hemianopia and others with peripheral loss due to retinitis pigmentosa as well as normal controls using an infrared video eye-tracker. All groups display a similar proportional prolongation of fixations times, reduction of saccadic amplitude, and proportion of regressive saccades when asked to read inverted text, which suggests a cognitive component of impairment independent of visual field loss in right homonymous hemianopes.

scholarly journals Reading performances of low vision children after using low vision aid

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 534-537
Author(s):  
Zorica Toncic ◽  
Natasa Jovovic ◽  
Nada Sakotic ◽  
Veselinka Milovic ◽  
Katarina Janicijevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Optic Nerve Atrophy ◽  
Stargardt Disease ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
A Prospective Study

Introduction/Objective. The objectives of the paper are to assess the causes of low vision (LV) in pediatric population in Montenegro and to evaluate the influence of low vision aids (LVA) on reading performance regarding the speed of reading and the understanding of the read text. Methods. A prospective study was conducted on 40 ?treatable? LV children what represent all registered LV children in Montenegro. All participants read the same text before and after using LVA. Reading rate was calculated as the number of words read per minute. Functional speed of reading was calculated as the ratio of the rate of reading and the understanding of the read text multiplied by 100. Results. The study comprised 40 LV children with the mean age of 12.60 ? 4.06 years (20 boys and 20 girls). The most common cause of LV in children were premature retinopathy (10/40 or 25%), retinitis pigmentosa (8/40 or 20%), optic nerve anomaly (5/40 or 13%), degenerative myopia (4/40 or 10%), macular dysgenesis (4/40 or 10%), Stargardt disease (3/40 or 7%), optic nerve atrophy (2/40 or 5%), and albinism (2/40 or 5%). Nystagmus was found in 11 LV children or 28% of the group. LVA were prescribed to all of them. Reading speed before vs. after LVA use was 36.58 ? 35.60 vs. 73.83 ? 27.05 words/minute (p < 0.001), while functional reading was 26.00 ? 30.43 vs. 59.41 ? 29.34 (p < 0.001). Conclusion. LV children demonstrate a significant improvement in reading performance by using LVA.

The effects of amblyopia on children’s reading performance after patching treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212199824
Author(s):  
Arthur Gustavo Fernandes ◽  
Nívea Nunes Ferraz
Keyword(s):  
Reading Speed ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Reading Acuity ◽  
Fellow Eye ◽  
Children's Reading ◽  
Print Size ◽  
Children’S Reading ◽  
Better Than

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of amblyopia on children’s reading performance after the successful patching treatment with 20/20 visual acuity (VA) in the treated eye. Methods: The treated amblyopes group included 10 children with strabismic amblyopia diagnosed on the first visit presenting VA equal or better than 0.0 logMAR (20/20 Snellen) in the better vision eye and VA worse than 0.2 logMAR (20/32 Snellen) in the worse eye that underwent patching treatment of amblyopia reaching a final VA  equal to  0.0 logMAR in the treated eye. The control group comprised 10 children matched by age, gender and school-grade with no visual disorders. Reading performance was evaluated according to reading acuity (RA), critical print size (CPS), reading speed (RS) at 0.7 logMAR, and maximum reading speed (MRS) using the MNREAD chart. Results: Binocular reading performance was compared between groups and no statistically significant differences were found on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS ( p > 0.05). When analyzing monocular reading performances of treated amblyopes, a worse RA ( p = 0.04) and CPS ( p = 0.04) were observed on the previously amblyopic eye when compared to the fellow eye. When comparing the fellow eye from treated amblyopes and a randomly selected eye from controls, no statistically significant differences on RA, CPS, RS, or MRS were found ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that even patients who reached 20/20 VA in the treated eye after patching treatment for amblyopia may present persistent impaired reading performance. These findings reinforce the importance of reading performance testing as a tool when evaluating the visual function development in amblyopic patients.

Understanding the Relationships between Print Size and Reading in Low Vision

2003 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 325-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian L. Bailey ◽  
Amanda Hall Lueck ◽  
Robert B. Greer ◽  
Kuang Mon Tuan ◽  
Valerie M. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Angular Size ◽  
Reading Behaviors ◽  
Print Size

This article presents conceptual models of relationships between print size and reading speed and preferred viewing distances. These models illustrate how various factors can influence reading behaviors and influence decisions about the optimal angular size of print and resolution reserve.

The Experience of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Closed-Circuit Television versus Eccentric Viewing Training for People with Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2017 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J. Leat ◽  
Francie Fengqin Si ◽  
Deborah Gold ◽  
Dawn Pickering ◽  
Keith Gordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Optical Devices ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Eccentric Viewing ◽  
Age Related

Introduction In addition to optical devices, closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) and eccentric viewing training are both recognized interventions to improve reading performance in individuals with vision loss secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Both are relatively expensive, however, either in the cost of the device or in the amount of time personnel need to provide training. In this randomized trial, we compared the effectiveness of these two interventions. Methods Participants with age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity between 6/48 (20/160) and 6/120 (20/400) first received basic low vision care, including optical devices. At the subsequent baseline visit, they undertook a battery of measures including logMAR visual acuity; reading speed and accuracy for text in 1.3M and 1M fonts; reading information on medicine bottles, utility bills, and food packages; the NEI-VFQ; the Geriatric Depression Scale; and a reading inventory questionnaire. They were then randomized to either obtaining a CCTV for home use or eccentric viewing training over the following six weeks. Results Recruitment was more difficult than expected for this population. Of 145 patients referred, 29 met the inclusion-exclusion criteria, 14 were willing to enroll, and 10 completed the trial. For the primary outcome (reading speed for 1.3M print), there was a significant improvement between baseline and outcome for the CCTV group (p = 0.005), but not for the eccentric viewing training group (p = 0.28), and the CCTV group showed significantly greater change (p = 0.04). There was a nonsignificant improvement in reading speed for 1M text and a decrease in the amount of time taken to read utility bill information in the CCTV group. There was a significant improvement in near visual acuity with current glasses with eccentric viewing training. The other measures did not reach statistical significance. Discussion Randomized clinical trials for low vision rehabilitation, particularly in the elderly population with vision loss, are challenging, but such trials are important for the allocation of resources. This trial showed early indications of more impact on reading performance from CCTV than eccentric viewing training.

Exploring Print-Size Requirements and Reading for Students with Low Vision

2003 ◽  
Vol 97 (6) ◽  
pp. 335-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Hall Lueck ◽  
Ian L. Bailey ◽  
Robert B. Greer ◽  
Kuang Mon Tuan ◽  
Valerie M. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Fourth Grade ◽  
Reading Efficiency ◽  
Fourth Grade Students ◽  
Continuous Text ◽  
Working Distance ◽  
Print Size

This article describes experiments designed to investigate reading speed and working distance for students with low vision. Six fourth grade students were asked to read unrelated words and continuous text ranging in print size. This article also discusses methods to maximize reading efficiency of students with low vision.

scholarly journals Increased letter spacing and greater letter width improve reading acuity in low vision readers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Beier ◽  
Chiron A. T. Oderkerk ◽  
Birte Bay ◽  
Michael Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Measurable Effect ◽  
Reading Acuity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Print Size

Abstract Low vision readers depend on magnification, but magnification reduces the amount of text that can be overviewed and hampers text navigation. In this study, we evaluate the effects that font variations letter spacing, letter width, and letter boldness have on low vision reading. We tested 20 low-vision patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and used the Radner Reading Chart, which measures reading acuity (logRAD), maximum reading speed, and critical print size. The results demonstrated a small, but measurable effect of letter spacing and letter width on reading acuity near critical font sizes.

scholarly journals Effects of Line Spacing on Reading Performance of Normally Sighted and Simulated Visually-Impaired Subjects: A Pilot Study Using Arabic Words

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Abdullah Z. Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Visually Impaired ◽  
Low Vision ◽  
Reading Rate ◽  
Reading Performance ◽  
White Background ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Line Spacing ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Letter Size ◽  
Visually Impaired Persons

The study aims to evaluate the role of line spacing during reading in normal and visually-impaired persons. A total of 225 normally-sighted participants with mean age of 23.7 years were asked to read Arabic sentences in a randomized order. Each Arabic sentence contains 7 lines with and without simulated cataract. The words were printed with black letters on white background to enhance contrast and fonts were in Times New Roman and of N12 letter size. The reading pages were placed on reading stand situated 25 cm away from the subject’s eyes. The simulated cataract was created by using a Bernell Cling Patch Occluder. This reduced the visual acuity of all subjects to 20/60. Each line of the text was separated by different line spacing namely: single space, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 4.0 which represents, 0.5 cm, 0.8 cm, 1.1 cm, 1.4 cm, 1.7 cm and 2.0 cm, respectively. The sheets were presented randomly and participants’ voices were recorded as they read under a controlled time. The tape was analysed later and reading rate was calculated. There was a significant difference (p<0.0001) in reading rates between the normal sighted persons and the visually impaired persons for all line spacing. Modifying the spacing between lines in prints had a significant impact (p<0.0001) on the reading rate of the visually impaired but not in normally-sighted persons (p˃0.05). Intermediate line spacing (2 and 2.5) increased the reading rate of the visually impaired persons significantly more (p<0.001) than other line spacing, but smaller or larger line spacing slowed their reading rate, significantly (p<0.001). The visually-impaired persons reported that they felt the difference in reading prints with larger line spacing as compared with normal sighted participants who did not. It is beneficial to adequately modify the line spacing in prints commonly read by low vision persons. For Arab subjects the optimum line spacing to significantly improve reading in the visually impaired should range from 0.8 to 1.1 cm. This finding may be a useful for publishers of Arab prints targeting the visually impaired persons. Thus, the implication of the study in the field of health is that by establishing the least common line spacing visualized optimally among normal and simulated visually impaired persons would be fixed as default line spacing for Arab printing to achieve better reading performance.

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