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Purpose: To investigate the effect of font choice on reading parameters by using the RADNER Reading Charts printed in two fonts (Helvetica vs. Times Roman) equalized in terms of x-height. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 40 participants with healthy eyes (18 to 60 years of age; mean: 42.13 ± 12.28 years). Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with RADNER Reading Charts printed in either Helvetica Neue (T1) Roman sans serif (Adobe) or Times New Roman PS Roman serif (Adobe). The test distance was 40 cm. Reading charts were presented in random order. Reading acuity (RA), mean reading speed of all sentences read (MEAN-ALL RS), mean reading speed from 0.8 logRAD to 0.3 logRAD (MEAN-RS), maximum reading speed (MAX-RS), and critical print size (CPS) were compared. Results: The RA values obtained for the Helvetica and Times Roman fonts (in full logarithmic units of 0.1 logRAD) did not differ between the two fonts (mean for both fonts: − 0.128 ± 0.064 logRAD; 95% CI for both: − 0.148; − 0.107 logRAD). The differences in all other reading parameters between the two fonts were small and not statistically significant. The analyses revealed narrow confidence intervals and good coefficients of reliability. Except for the CPS (r = 0.49) and RA (equal for Helvetica and Times Roman), the correlations for all parameters were high, ranging from r = 0.92 to r = 0.98. Conclusion: The equivalent reading performance obtained with Helvetica and Times Roman (when equalized in x-height and layout) makes these font types interchangeable as standards for reading charts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare reading parameters measured with the Turkish version of the Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test (MNREAD-TR) printed acuity chart and the tablet application version of the same test for both normally sighted and low-vision individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 individuals (92 normally sighted and 24 low-vision) were included in the study. All participants were tested with both the print version of the MNREAD-TR chart (method 1) and the tablet application version (method 2). Reading acuity (RA), critical print size (CPS), maximum reading speed (MRS), and reading accessibility index (ACC) were compared statistically. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in RA and CPS between the two methods for the normally sighted individuals (p=0.083 and p=0.075, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in RA and ACC between the two methods for the patients with low vision (p=0.159 and p=0.103, respectively). The mean MRS was 233.1±34.7 words per minute (wpm) with method 1 and 169.3±23.4 wpm with method 2 in the normally sighted group (p<0.001) and 93.2±50.2 wpm with method 1 and 68.2±34.7 wpm with method 2 in the low-vision group (p<0.001). Conclusion: In our study, it was found that the parameters RA and CPS in the normally sighted individuals and RA and ACC in the low vision individuals provided similar results in both forms of the MNREAD. The tablet application method can be preferred to eliminate evaluators' bias of scoring the printed chart. In addition, applications have other advantages such as being faster and more practical and providing automatic analysis of parameters, especially in low-vision rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring reading ability is a crucial part of assessing patients who complain of reduced vision. Foreign language versions of such charts need to be developed and validated. It is difficult to measure or predict Korean reading ability due to a lack of a representative reading charts in Korean, and previous charts have limited capacity to detect deficits in reading ability among Korean patients with eye diseases. Two printed versions of the reading chart were created. Thirty-four patients with no change in vision in the last three months and no expected change in vision in the next four weeks were included in this study. The results were validated by testing 13 normal-sighted adults (group 1), 14 patients with various macular diseases whose visual acuity was equal or better than 0.5 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (group 2), and seven patients with various macular diseases whose visual acuities were between 1.3 logMAR and 0.5 logMAR (group 3). Inter-chart and intra-subject repeatabilities were assessed for maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS). A total of 38 sentences were tested on 34 adults in three groups. Groups 1 and 2 did not differ significantly in terms of MRS and CPS. The MRS was lower in group 3, for each chart and between visits. The CPS was larger in group 3, for each chart and between visits, with the exception of chart 2 during visit one. With regard to test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICCs) for chart 1 and chart 2 were more than 0.900. With regard to inter-chart reliability, the ICCs were more than 0.892, respectively. The reading chart developed in this study was reliable in producing consistent results among a normal Korean population and patients with various macular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop and validate a web-based reading test for normal and low vision patients. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative trial. The web-based Democritus Digital Acuity Reading Test (wDDART) was developed. wDDART introduces a series of advanced characteristics (advanced text calibration, computer-vision-based estimation of patient's distance, and automatic calculation of patient's reading times) that facilitate the overall examination procedure. wDDART's reading parameters [reading acuity (RA), maximum reading speed (MRS), critical print size (CPS) and reading accessibility index (ACC)] were compared to the corresponding ones of its conventional Windows-based reading test (DDART) in a sample of normal and low vision participants. wDDART's test–retest reliability for all reading parameters was evaluated in a 15-day time-window. Results: One hundred patients (normal vision group-NVG: 70; low vision group-LVG: 30 patients) responded to DDART and wDDART. Non-significant differences between the two reading tests were found for all parameters in NVG and LVG. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between the two tests demonstrated good or excellent correlation for RA, MRS, ACC and moderate correlation for CPS. Test–retest reliability was excellent for RA and ACC, while ICCs were 0.715– 0.895 for MRS and CPS. Conclusion: The wDDART demonstrated sufficient validity and repeatability making it suitable for clinical and research settings. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04618224. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) report vision-related reading difficulty, although this has not been demonstrated objectively. Accordingly, we assessed reading speed and acuity, including crowded acuity and acuity for isolated words using standardized tests of reading and vision, in 27 ME/CFS patients and matched controls. We found that the ME/CFS group exhibited slower maximum reading speed, and had poorer crowded acuity than controls. Moreover, crowded acuity was significantly associated with maximum reading speed, indicating that patients who were more susceptible to visual crowding read more slowly. These findings suggest vision-related reading difficulty belongs to a class of measureable symptoms for ME/CFS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new generation of logarithmic reading charts has sparked interest in standardized reading performance analyses. Such reading charts have been developed according to the standards of the International Council of Ophthalmology. The print size progression in these calibrated charts is in accordance with the mathematical background of EN ISO 8596. These reading charts are: the Bailey-Lovie Word Reading Chart, the Colenbrander English Continuous Text Near Vision Cards, the Oculus Reading Probe II, the MNREAD Charts, the SKread Charts, and the RADNER Reading Charts. The test items used for these reading charts differ among the charts and are standardized to various extents. The Bailey-Lovie Charts, MNREAD Charts, SKread Charts, and RADNER Charts are also meant to measure reading speed and allow determination of further reading parameters such as reading acuity, reading speed based on reading acuity, critical print size, reading score, and logMAR/logRAD ratio. Such calibrated reading charts have already provided valuable insights into the reading performance of patients in many research studies. They are available in many languages and thus facilitate international communication about near visual performance. In the present review article, the backgrounds of these modern reading charts are presented, and their different levels of test-item standardization are discussed. Clinical research studies are mentioned, and a discussion about the immoderately high number of reading acuity notations is included. Using the logReading Acuity Determination ([logRAD] = reading acuity equivalent of logMAR) measure for research purposes would give reading acuity its own identity as a standardized reading parameter in ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To compare the reading time and reading speed measurements obtained with a stopwatch with those of an automated computer program for measuring reading speed and acuity ( rad-rd©; patent: AT 504635B1/10-2006). Methods The rad-rd© was used (in conjunction with a PC and microphone) for the computer-based measurements. In rotation, each of four examiners took a turn reading the 12 sentences from one of the four RADNER Reading Charts to three other examiners, who served as stoppers. The stoppers simultaneously measured the reading time with a stopwatch while a fifth investigator used the rad-rd© to obtain computerized measurements. The stopwatch measurements were then statistically compared with the rad-rd© measurements. Results The mean reading time obtained with the stopwatch measurements was 4.34 ± 0.57 seconds (196.21 ± 21.79 wpm), versus 4.44 ± 0.59 seconds (192.24 ± 22.20 wpm) by computer measurement ( r = 0.84). Of the 144 stopwatch measurements, 97 (67.36%) were shorter, and 47 (32.64%) were equal to ( n = 5) or longer than the computer measurements. The mean difference for the shorter measurements was −0.17 ± 0.1 seconds (3.91% of the mean reading time), and the mean difference for the longer measurements was 0.11 ± 0.1 seconds (2.53% of the mean reading time). Most differences ranged from −0.1 to 0.1 seconds (42.36%). The results did not differ significantly among the four stoppers. Conclusion The rad-rd© is an accurate, automated computer program for measuring reading time. Stopwatch measurements, although subject to inaccuracy from several sources, remain a reliable and simple method for analysis of reading performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spektrum der Augenheilkunde is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose To develop 28 short texts to be used as sentence optotypes in a Danish version of the Radner Reading Chart for the measurement of reading acuity and speed. Method Forty-six short texts of comparable lexical and grammatical difficulty were constructed. The short texts were tested together with two longer reference texts in 100 persons with visual acuity 6/6, of which 50 were university students (age: 24.7 ± 3.1 years, 36% males) and 50 were blue-collar workers (37.2 ± 13.4 years, 54% males). Study parameters were mean reading speed and error rate per participant, and mean reading time, variance and number of errors per short text. Results The students read the short texts faster than the blue-collar workers (184 ± 21.4 words per minute (wpm) versus 163 ± 26.3 wpm, p < 0.0001). There was a high correlation between the reference texts and the short texts [Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.92)]. The mean reading time for each of the short texts ranged from 4.4 s to 5.8 s with a mean of 4.96 ± 0.35 s, and the median number of errors was eight. Twenty-eight short texts were selected for sentence optotypes with mean reading times between 4.6 s and 5.2 s, a mean standard deviation of 1.2 s or less and a number of errors of 17 per 100 persons or less. Conclusion Reading time uniformity in the Danish version of the Radner Reading Chart was comparable to that of the original German version. Education had an influence on reading performance that may warrant stratification for this parameter when reading tests are used in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To develop a computer-based single sentence reading test especially designed for clinical research enabling multiple repeat trials without reusing the same sentences. Methods We initially developed 422 sentences, with an average of 60 characters and 12 words. Presentation controls were improved by employing computer-based testing and the oral reading was recorded by visual inspection of digital audio recordings. Variability in reading speed of normally sighted adults between sentences, between charts, between subjects, between formats, and between display devices was quantified. The impact of display size and pixel resolution on test geometry was assessed, and the impact of reduced retinal image quality and retinal illuminance were compared for reading and standard letter acuities. Eleven visually normal subjects (age: 18-60 years) participated in this study. Results Stopwatch timing of sentences reliably underestimated reading times by about 0.3 s, and exhibited coefficients of repeatability 17 times larger than those estimated from visual inspection of digital recordings. A slight relaxing of the lexical content constraints had no effect on reading speed; neither did sentence format (single vs three lines) or display size or distance. Within subject standard deviations of reading speed for different sentences were small (between 6% and 9% of the mean speed) requiring only small samples sizes to achieve typical statistical reliability and power when comparing conditions within individual subjects. The greater variability associated with stopwatch timing necessitates larger sample sizes. As defocus and light level were varied, reading acuity and standard letter acuity were highly correlated ( r2 = 0.99), and reading acuity was slightly better. Discussion A computer-based IURead reading test provides a useful reading speed and reading acuity tool for clinical research involving multiple conditions and repeat testing of individual subjects. Ready to use IURead files for use with a computer, tablet or cell phone can be downloaded from our lab website (). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of our study was to establish a practical and quick test for assessing reading performance and to statistically analyse interchart and test-retest reliability of a new standardized Swedish reading chart system consisting of three charts constructed according to the principles available in the literature. Methods Twenty-four subjects with healthy eyes, mean age 65 ± 10 years, were tested binocularly and the reading performance evaluated as reading acuity, critical print size and maximum reading speed. The test charts all consist of 12 short text sentences with a print size ranging from 0.9 to −0.2 log MAR in approximate steps of 0.1 log MAR. Two testing sessions, in two different groups ( C1 and C2), were under strict control of luminance and lighting environment. Reading performance tests with chart T1, T2 and T3 were used for evaluation of interchart reliability and test data from a second session 1 month or more apart for the test-retest analysis. Results The testing of reading performance in adult observers with short sentences of continuous text was quick and practical. The agreement between the tests obtained with the three different test charts was high both within the same test session and at retest. Conclusion This new Swedish variant of a standardized reading system based on short sentences and logarithmic progression of print size provides reliable measurements of reading performance and preliminary norms in an age group around 65 years. The reading test with three independent reading charts can be useful for clinical studies of reading ability before and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to develop MNREAD acuity charts in the Greek language ( MNREAD-GR) and establish their repeatability in a normal-sighted population. Methods One hundred and eighty Greek sentences were constructed based on the design principles of the Minnesota Low Vision Reading Test. The software used to validate them for width was adjusted to the parameters of the non-Latin characters used in the Greek language ( MNTest-GR) and width-validated sentences were then checked for literacy by two language teachers. Pilot testing followed in 20 adults and two groups of 20 children. Subsequently, three versions of the MNREAD-GR chart were printed and validated for repeatability: 20 adults read MNREAD-GR charts 1, 2 and 3 in random order over two sessions. A linear mixed-model analysis was performed for near visual acuity ( VA), maximum reading speed and critical print size to identify the contribution of each source (individual subject, session, chart and residual error) to the total variance. Subject variance determined the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results One hundred of the initial 180 sentences were validated with MNTest-GR and approved for literacy correctness. Of those, 57 sentences were selected after pilot testing, and used in the final printed chart in random distribution among three versions. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.72 for VA, 0.87 for maximum reading speed and 0.46 for critical print size. The between-charts within-session within-subject component accounted for a maximum five per cent of the variance. The between-sessions within-subject component had a maximum of one per cent. The coefficient of repeatability was 0.08 logMAR for VA, 46.96 words per minute for maximum reading speed and 0.10 logMAR for critical print size. Conclusion The created MNREAD-GR acuity chart is a standardised clinical test that can be used reliably to measure near acuity, reading speed and critical print size in Greek-speaking literate patients of all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate whether visual performance could be improved in pseudophakic subjects by correcting low levels of postoperative astigmatism. Methods: An exploratory, noninterventional study was conducted using subjects who had been implanted with an aspheric intraocular lens and had 0.5-0.75 diopter postoperative astigmatism. Monocular visual performance using full correction was compared with visual performance using spherical equivalent correction. Testing consisted of high- and low-contrast visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and reading acuity and speed using the Radner Reading Charts. Results: Thirty-eight of 40 subjects completed testing. Visual acuities at three contrast levels (100%, 25%, and 9%) were significantly better using full correction than when using spherical equivalent correction (all P < 0.001). For contrast sensitivity testing under photopic, mesopic, and mesopic with glare conditions, only one out of twelve outcomes demonstrated a significant improvement with full correction compared with spherical equivalent correction (at six cycles per degree under mesopic without glare conditions, P = 0.046). Mean reading speed was numerically faster with full correction across all print sizes, reaching statistical significance at logarithm of the reading acuity determination (logRAD) 0.2, 0.7, and 1.1 (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences also favored full correction in logRAD score (P = 0.0376), corrected maximum reading speed (P < 0.001), and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution/logRAD ratio (P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study of pseudophakic subjects with low levels of postoperative astigmatism, full correction yielded significantly better reading performance and high- and low-contrast visual acuity than spherical equivalent correction, suggesting that cataractous patients may benefit from surgical correction of low levels of preoperative corneal astigmatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Being unable to read is a major problem for visually impaired patients. Since distance visual acuity (VA) does not adequately reflect reading ability, it is important to also evaluate near VA. The Radner Reading Charts (RRCs) are available to measure patients' reading performance. The present study tested the inter-chart and test-retest reliability of the RRCs in Dutch low-vision patients (i.e., visual acuity ≥0.3 logMAR) with various eye disorders. Methods: Thirty-eight patients read the three RRCs in random order. Then, about 1 month after the initial measurements, a test-retest procedure was performed in 15 of the 38 patients. Tested variables were reading acuity (logRAD), logRAD score, logRAD/logMAR ratio, maximum reading speed (MRS), and critical print size (CPS). Both MRS and CPS were calculated in two different ways. To determine the variability, a mixed-model analysis was used. Results: For all variables, the largest part of the variance was explained by the individual subject (86-89%) whereas the chart accounted for only 0-0.78% of the variability. Therefore, the inter-chart and test-retest reliability was high, except for the CPS which had a poor to moderate reliability (31-62%) when calculated in the two different ways. Conclusions: The inter-chart and test-retest results showed high reliability in patients with low vision due to various diseases; therefore, the charts are feasible to determine effects in large groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Die TAP-Studie hat bewiesen, dass die Photodynamische Therapie (PDT) mit Verteporfin das Risiko eines schweren Visusverlustes von mehr als 3 Zeilen reduzieren kann. Ziel unserer Studie war es den Einfluss der PDT auf den Nahvisus und das zentrale Gesichtsfeld zu untersuchen. 63 Augen von 55 Patienten wurden entsprechend der Kriterien der TAP-Studie selektiert und nach dem empfohlenen Schema behandelt. Anamnese Biomikroskopie, Fernvisus mit EDTRS Charts, Nahvisus mit Jägertafeln, zentrale Schwellenwertperimetrie und Fluoreszenzangiographie wurden bei der Erstuntersuchung, nach 6 Wochen, 3 Monaten und weiterhin alle 3 Monate durchgeführt. Der mittlere Fernvisus vor Behandlung war 0,2, 21% der Augen verbesserten und 25% verschlechterten sich um 3 Zeilen. Der mittlere Nahvisus vor PDT betrug Jgl2,2; 17,8% der Augen verbesserten sich und 14,3% verschlechterten sich um 3 Absätze. Die mittleren Werte des „mittleren Defekt“ blieben nahezu unverändert. In der FLA nahmen 25% der Membranen an Größe zu, 36,7% waren nach 1 Jahr kleiner als bei der Erstuntersuchung, 38,3% blieben unverändert. Bei der Untersuchung nach 1 Jahr zeigten nur 25% der Augen eine Verschlechterung des Fernvisus um mehr als 3 Zeilen, im Vergleich dazu waren es 33% der behandelten Augen in der TAP Studie in der Gruppe der überwiegend klassischen Membranen. In 75%derAugen konnte mit Hilfe der PDT eine weitere Verschlechterung des Fernvisus um mehr als 3 Zeilen, des Nahvisus um 3 Absätze und des „Mittleren Defekt“ um 2dB verhindert werden. TAP-Study has determined that photodynamic therapy with verteporfin can reduce the risk of vision loss compared with a placebo. The purpose of our study was to examine whether PDT can prevent severe loss of reading acuity and further depression of the visual field in cases of predominantly classic subfoveal neo-vascularisation due to age-related macular degeneration. 63 eyes of 55 patients selected according to the indications of the TAP-Study were included and treated according to the Visudyne protocol. Biomicroscopy, distance visual acuity, reading acuity 10 deg static threshold perimetry and fluorescein angiography were performed at baseline, after 6 weeks, 3 months and continuing every 3 months. The mean baseline visual acuity was 0.2. 25% of the treated eyes lost more than 3 lines and 21,4% gained more than 3 lines after 1 year. The mean baseline reading acuity was Jg 12,2. 14,3% of the eyes lost more than 3 levels of reading acuity 17,8% gained more than 3 levels. The mean values of mean defect of the central vision fields showed no changes. In the FLA there was a progression of the CNV beyond the area of lesion identified at baseline in 25%, there was a decrease of lesion size in 36,7% and in 38,3% there was no change. 25% of the eyes in our study lost more than 3 lines at the month 12 examination compared with 33 % of the treated eyes in the TAP-Study (subgroup of predominantly classic CNV), PDT can prevent severe vision loss of distance and reading acuity and further deterioration of the central visual field in about 75% of the eyes. The baseline reading acuity was poor and the patients should be aware of the fact that loss of reading acuity will not be gained after successful PDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of switching treatment in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and treatment intervals of ≤6 weeks to brolucizumab. Methods: In this prospective series, eyes with persisting retinal fluid under aflibercept or ranibizumab every 4–6 weeks were switched to brolucizumab. Visual acuity (BCVA), reading acuity (RA), treatment intervals, central subfield thickness (CST), and the presence of intra- and subretinal fluid were recorded over 6 months. Results: Seven of 12 eyes completed the 6 month follow-up and received 4.4 ± 0.5 brolucizumab injections within 28.0 ± 2.8 weeks. Treatment intervals increased from 5.3 ± 0.9 weeks to 9.0 ± 2.8 weeks (95% confidence interval of extension (CI): 1.6 to 5.9). BCVA improved from 67.8 ± 7.2 to 72.2 ± 7.5 (95% CI: −0.3 to 9.1) ETDRS letters, RA improved from 0.48 ± 0.15 to 0.31 ± 0.17 LogRAD (95% CI: 0.03 to 0.25), and CST improved from 422.1 ± 97.3 to 353.6 ± 100.9 µm (95% CI: −19.9 to 157.1). Treatment was terminated early in five eyes (two intraocular inflammations with vascular occlusion without vision loss, one stroke, and two changes in the treatment plan). Conclusions: Improvement in visual performance and longer treatment intervals in our series over 6 months indicate the potential of brolucizumab to reduce the treatment burden in nAMD, while two instances of intraocular inflammation were encountered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Spektrum der Augenheilkunde is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)