Abstract
Purpose: :
People with bilateral central scotomas from age related macular degeneration (AMD) usually read very slowly, even with adequate magnification. Previously we have found that training over several days with RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) reading or word recognition can improve reading speed in the peripheral vision of normally sighted subjects. We are studying the feasibility and utility of this training to improve AMD reading. One logistical problem is that it may be impractical for many AMD subjects to visit the lab for several daily training sessions. Here, we report on development of an internet-assisted home training protocol for low vision subjects.
Methods: :
AMD subjects made one visit to the lab for basic vision testing and MP1 microperimetry. Qualifying subjects participated in a six-day home training program, with vision stimuli presented on a standard laptop with 17’’ LCD display specially configured for the study. Days 1 and 6 were devoted to pre and post testing.(Flashcard reading speed, RSVP reading speed and visual span measurements) Days 2-5 were devoted to one of two training procedures--RSVP reading, or word recognition (in which subjects made word/nonword decisions on 3-letter strings presented at varying distances left and right of fixation). The experimenter, who was in the lab, remotely controlled stimulus presentation on the laptop via a commercial broadband wireless network, and talked to the subjects and obtained verbal responses through online voice communication (Skype). Subjects responded to the test stimuli as if they were in the lab.
Results: :
The quality of the wireless network connection is dependent on the same factors affecting the cellular network and our protocol tolerated relatively low signal strength. Preliminary data (N=5) revealed pre/post gains in reading speed for both types of training. (Up to 44 word/min for flashcard reading, and 18 words/min for RSVP reading.)
Conclusions: :
Home-based training through remote desktop control and online voice communication via a wireless broadband network may provide a convenient and economic model for computer-based testing of people with low vision.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration