Reading Speed under Real and Simulated Visual Impairment

Abstract

The reading speed of subjects was studied under conditions of simulated and real visual impairment. For subjects with normal visual field and average reading speeds, two types of visual impairment were simulated: cataracts and deteriorated retinas. Three groups of partially sighted persons also were studied: those with normal visual fields, those with defects in peripheral fields, and those with defects in the central field. The results for these three groups were similar to those obtained under conditions of simulated visual impairment. The authors conclude that reading speed depends on visual acuity.