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Abstract
Purpose
Technological devices such as smartphones and tablets are widely available and increasingly used as visual aids. This study evaluated the use of a novel app for tablets (MD_evReader) developed as a reading aid for individuals with a central field loss resulting from macular degeneration. The MD_evReader app scrolls text as single lines (similar to a news ticker) and is intended to enhance reading performance using the eccentric viewing technique by both reducing the demands on the eye movement system and minimising the deleterious effects of perceptual crowding. Reading performance with scrolling text was compared with reading static sentences, also presented on a tablet computer.
Methods
Twenty-six people with low vision (diagnosis of macular degeneration) read static or dynamic text (scrolled from right to left), presented as a single line at high contrast on a tablet device. Reading error rates and comprehension were recorded for both text formats, and the participant's subjective experience of reading with the app was assessed using a simple questionnaire.
Results
The average reading speed for static and dynamic text was not significantly different and equal to or greater than 85 words per minute. The comprehension scores for both text formats were also similar, equal to approximately 95% correct. However, reading error rates were significantly (p = 0.02) less for dynamic text than for static text. The participants’ questionnaire ratings of their reading experience with the MD_evReader were highly positive and indicated a preference for reading with this app compared with their usual method.
Conclusions
Our data show that reading performance with scrolling text is at least equal to that achieved with static text and in some respects (reading error rate) is better than static text. Bespoke apps informed by an understanding of the underlying sensorimotor processes involved in a cognitive task such as reading have excellent potential as aids for people with visual impairments.
Technological devices such as smartphones and tablets are widely available and increasingly used as visual aids. This study evaluated the use of a novel app for tablets (MD_evReader) developed as a reading aid for individuals with a central field loss resulting from macular degeneration. The MD_evReader app scrolls text as single lines (similar to a news ticker) and is intended to enhance reading performance using the eccentric viewing technique by both reducing the demands on the eye movement system and minimising the deleterious effects of perceptual crowding. Reading performance with scrolling text was compared with reading static sentences, also presented on a tablet computer.
Methods
Twenty-six people with low vision (diagnosis of macular degeneration) read static or dynamic text (scrolled from right to left), presented as a single line at high contrast on a tablet device. Reading error rates and comprehension were recorded for both text formats, and the participant's subjective experience of reading with the app was assessed using a simple questionnaire.
Results
The average reading speed for static and dynamic text was not significantly different and equal to or greater than 85 words per minute. The comprehension scores for both text formats were also similar, equal to approximately 95% correct. However, reading error rates were significantly (p = 0.02) less for dynamic text than for static text. The participants’ questionnaire ratings of their reading experience with the MD_evReader were highly positive and indicated a preference for reading with this app compared with their usual method.
Conclusions
Our data show that reading performance with scrolling text is at least equal to that achieved with static text and in some respects (reading error rate) is better than static text. Bespoke apps informed by an understanding of the underlying sensorimotor processes involved in a cognitive task such as reading have excellent potential as aids for people with visual impairments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 459–464 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 7 Apr 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2016 |
Keywords
- Macular degeneration
- Low vision
- Eye Movements
- Reading
- Vision aids
- eReader
Access to Document
- Accepted Manuscript
As the paper was funded by the ERSC, there are 2 options: 1. Publish the article as OA and pay the APC of £2000, but reduced to £1500 as we have a pre paid account with Wiley. The request for the APC will need to be made on the usual survey: https://survey.rhul.ac.uk/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=822L8l2 The details of the paper plus the relation to the ESRC grant will need to be added to Pure. We would also strongly encourage the deposit of the author’s accepted manuscript into Pure within 3 months of the date of acceptance. 2. Add the details of the item onto Pure and deposit the author’s accepted manuscript into Pure within 3 months of the date of acceptance. This will have a 12 month embargo placed on it. Both of these options are REF and RCUK OA eligible so you have the 2 options. I hope this helps Regards Nicola
Projects
- 1 Finished
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Assessing the ‘MD_evReader’ iPad app as a technological aid to enhance reading in macular disease
Walker, R. (PI)
Economic & Social Res Coun ESRC
1/10/13 → 30/09/14
Project: Research