Abstract
Purpose: :
To study the improvement of reading performance in non-AMD central vision loss patients after performing an especially designed reading rehabilitation program (RRP).
Methods: :
Thirty-six low vision (9 Pathologic Myopia, 11 Best's and 16 Stargardt’s disease) patients underwent four in-office training sessions combined with in-home training during two months. Reading performance including reading speed (RS), reading duration (Rd) and font size (Fs) were evaluated during each in-office training visit, while assessment of the individual’s perception of quality of life (QoL) using the WHOQoL-Bref was carried out before and after the RRP. Student's t test was performed, a p<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: :
Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and magnification values at baseline were 0.72±0.23 logMAR and 3.76±0.79x, respectively. Mean RS, Rd and Fs prior to training were 55.88±14.7 words per minute, 8.32±3.34 minutes and 15.24±1.39 points, respectively. Patients obtained significant improvement in mean RS (107.35±26.81 wpm, p<.001), Rd (40.88±8.57 minutes, p<.001) and Fs (10.97±2.49 points p<.001) after the RRP. Significant differences (p<.001) in the physical, psychological and environmental domains of the WHOQoL-Bref questionnaire were also obtained after the RRP.
Conclusions: :
A combined well-structured RRP can improve reading performance as well as some QoL areas. Therefore, customized RRPs where customized in-home training is included may render high functional results for non-AMD central vision loss patients.
Keywords: low vision • macula/fovea • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques