Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: October-December | Volume: 5 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 201-206
Comparison of Reading Performance with Optical and Electronic Low Vision Devices among Low Vision Children in a Blind School
Chandan Jyoti Borah1, Samrat Sarkar1, Pritam Dutta2
1M.optom, Amity University, Gurugram, Manesar, Panchgaon, Haryana, India
2M.optom, Ridley College of optometry, Assam, India
Corresponding Author: Pritam Dutta
ABSTRACT
Aim: To compare the reading performance with various low vision devices among low vision children attending blind school.
Method: Out of Seventy eight low vision subjects fourteen students with aged eleven to eighteen years who could possibly make out reading with text and Braille were evaluated from three blind schools of Kamrup district, Assam. Cross sectional study design was used to compare reading performance of low vision subjects with both optical and electronic low vision aid devices. After complete eye examination required magnification was calculated for each subject and reading performance was checked with MN reading chart in normal day light illumination by both optical and video magnifier. Obtained data were checked for errors and entered into SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences), version 23.0 statistical software for analysis.
Results: All the subjects improved their vision with the low vision devices. Among these 14 students, seven could read the print and could respond with both type of magnifiers (Optical and electronic). Mean reading speed with optical magnifier was 13.85 (±2.11) words per minute and that with video magnifier was 25.57 (±3.59) words per minute. Reading speed with video magnifier was found to be statistically increased than optical magnifier with a mean difference of 11.71 words (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The majority of the students showed evidence of remarkable improvement in reading performance with electronic visual aids (Video magnifier) than the optical visual aids. The size of the print was well above the threshold to achieve maximum reading rate.
Keywords: Visually impairment, Low vision, Low vision device, Reading rate.