Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To determine whether the method used to identify CPS (critical print size) will influence Pepper VSRT (Visual Skills for Reading Test) measures and whether the Pepper VSRT measures at CPS is different from measures at 4M font size (largest font size available). Methods: 25 patients referred for low vision rehabilitation had visual acuity (ETDRS), MNRead, and Pepper testing performed in initial evaluation. CPS from the MNRead was determined from either the size font of the best reading time or the last size font before a notable reading time decrease. The Pepper test was given based on the different CPS values and at 4M font size. Results: Patient median age was 78 years (38 to 99 years) with median visual acuity 0.54 LogMAR (range: 0.30 to 1.30 LogMAR). Average maximum reading rate by MNRead, Pepper VSRT at CPS, and Pepper VSRT at 4M was 207 wpm (range: 87 to 333), 41 wpm (range: 14 to 67), and 60 wpm (range: 28 to 116), respectively. Paired t–test analysis found that Pepper VSRT reading rate values are significantly different (two tailed; p<0.01) between reading performance with the last size font before notable reading time decrease versus 4M font size while there was no significant difference between reading rate with the size font of best reading time and 4M font size. Pepper VSRT errors were 6 words (range: 0 to 32) and 2 words (range: 0 to 20) for reading at CPS and 4M, respectively. Paired t–test analysis found that the Pepper VSRT error values are significantly different (two tailed; p<0.01) between the reading performance with the last size font before notable reading time decrease versus 4M font size while there was no significant difference between the errors with the size font of best reading time and 4M font size. Conclusions: The method of determining the CPS will influence the results of administering the Pepper test at next higher font size. Patients whose CPS was the last size font before notable reading time decrease showed greater error and reading rate change compared to the Pepper test at 4M. Patients whose CPS was the size font of the best reading rate showed no difference in errors and time compared to the Pepper test at 4M size.