Abstract
Purpose :
To investigate the effect of Eccentric Viewing Training (EVT) on clinical measures of reading performance in AMD. All Participants were enrolled on the EFFECT Trial (Eccentric Fixation from Enhanced Clinical Training: A Randomized clinical trial for patients with AMD).
Methods :
200 participants (122 female, 78 Male), average age 81 (range 58 - 96) recruited from AMD clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital .The participants visual acuities were 0.32 – 1.30 LogMAR (mean 0.66) with dense central scotoma and no ocular co-morbidity apart from early cataracts, and were fluent in English with no cognitive impairment. All participants received a standard NHS low vision assessment and appropriate low vision aids were dispensed. Baseline tests included: near VA, critical print size (CPS) and maximum reading rate (MRR) measured using MNRead, IReST reading speed large and small print, N10 and N5, (RSL & RSS). Reading comprehension measured with Morgan’s Low Vision Reading Comprehension Assessment grade level equivalent (Morgan’s).
Participants were randomized into four groups:
1. Control - no visual training.
2. Control plus supervised reading - Three 45 minute sessions completed over six weeks, the same contact time as groups 3 & 4.
3. EVT at participant’s Preferred Retinal Locus (PRL) - Three 45 minute sessions completed over six weeks
4. EVT at trainer’s preferred location - Trained Retinal Locus (TRL) - Three 45 minute sessions completed over six weeks
After training the participants’ reading performance was re-assessed.
Results :
There were no significant differences in VA, MRR, RSS or RSL across training group. Reading Comprehension declined in the supervised reading group by 1.11 grade level and improved by the same amount in the PRL group. CPS worsened in the supervised reading group by 0.05 LogMAR and improved by the same amount in the TRL group.
Conclusions :
EVT has no significant effect on reading acuity or reading speed. EVT has a small effect on critical print size but this is unlikely to be of clinical significance. However, EVT at the PRL improved by 1.1 grade level, which could have a significant effect on reading performance.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2016 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Wash., May 1-5, 2016.