title: The value of Tablets as reading aids for individuals with central visual field loss: an evaluation of eccentric reading with static and scrolling text.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK.
authors.forename: Afsane
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riazi
authors.affiliation: Neurosciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011932:Reading; D012607:Scotoma / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012682:Sensory Aids; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: eccentric viewing; low vision; macular degeneration; reading; scrolling text