How repeatable are indices of reading ability in subjects with impaired vision?

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How repeatable are indices of reading ability in subjects with impaired vision? Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2009 Apr 1; Authors: Subramanian A, Pardhan S Objectives: Reading speed and acuity measurements are an important means of evaluating reading performance in subjects with impaired vision. The MNREAD charts are gradually becoming a popular means of measuring reading ability in the low vision clinic, yet to date no standards of reliability exist for a visually impaired population. The current study aims to determine the coefficients of repeatability for reading speed, reading acuity and critical print size in a visually impaired population. Methods: Twenty seven visually impaired subjects (19 female and 8 male) (mean age= 72.07 years SD=12.79 years) participated. Test-retest repeatability of the MNREAD charts was assessed at the subjects preferred viewing distance over two sessions by the same examiner. Results: The coefficient of repeatability (CR) was found to be +/-0.10 LogMAR for reading acuity, +/-0.20 logMAR for critical print size and +/-0.10 logarithm of words per minute for reading speed. The CR was not dependent on visual acuity Conclusions: As expected, the coefficients of repeatability are higher for visually impaired subjects when compared to normal subjects. Critical print size measurements have the poorest reliability and precision and should be interpreted with caution. PMID: 19339738 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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