Predictive Factors of Reading Performance Post Reading Rehabilitation Program in Central Field Loss Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Reading is the main complaint of central field loss (CFL) patients. Reading fluency might depend on visual and psychosocial factors, thus this study assesses whether visual and psychosocial variables can predict reading performance (RP) after a reading rehabilitation program (IOBA-RRP).

Methods: Seventy-six CFL patients were recruited at IOBA-Eye Institute from the vision rehabilitation unit. Patients without previous experience of low vision optical aids use underwent a vision rehabilitation program (the IOBA-RRP). Visual (reading speed and duration, visual acuity and magnification) and psychosocial questionnaire outcomes were recorded before and after undergoing the 6-week training. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to assess the predictive value of these variables.

Results: Contrast sensitivity (OR’s: 2.94, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.99-8.33), age (OR’s: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06-0.74) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) score (OR’s: -2.33, 95% CI: 1.16-4.76) were associated with improvement in reading speed.

Conclusions: Better contrast sensitivity, older age and lower GDS scores can predict success on reading fluency in CFL patients after reading rehabilitation training.

Keywords: 584 low vision