Predicting reading fluency in patients with macular disease.
OBJECTIVE
Difficulty in reading is the most frequent complaint of patients with macular disease (MD). This article assesses whether clinical variables measured at the onset of MD can be used to predict patients' future reading ability.


METHODS
Twenty-five patients with MD were recruited within 4 weeks of the onset of symptoms in their second affected eye. Clinical and demographic features were recorded at baseline and at the exit point of the study 3 to 12 months later. Odds ratios (OR's) were constructed to assess the predictive value of these variables in terms of reading fluency and any change in reading speed at the exit point of the study.


RESULTS
Baseline contrast sensitivity was associated with future fluent reading (OR, 2.40; interval size, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 5.07). Age, sex, scotoma size, disease type, visual acuity, and reading speed were not statistically significant predictors of future fluent reading. It was not possible to predict fully in which patients reading speed improved or deteriorated.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrast sensitivity can predict the likelihood of future fluent reading in patients with MD. Baseline reading speed, visual acuity, age, disease type, and scotoma size are poor predictors of future reading performance.
Crossland
Michael D
MD
Division of Vision Rehabilitation Research, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, United Kingdom. m.crossland@ucl.ac.uk
Culham
Louise E
LE
Rubin
Gary S
GS
D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011932:Reading; D013997:Time Factors