Abstract

A general corollary of reduced central vision in the presence of macular disease is a reduction in reading rate. This exists, even in the presence of large amounts of magnification of text material. Clinically, the desire to see to read is the most common goal of patients undergoing rehabilitation for low vision. A portion of those with macular disease, particularly those with mild to moderate losses of vision, can read at acceptable rates with tolerable amounts of magnification and appropriate instruction on the use of such magnifiers. However, a substantial portion, most notably older patients, fail to achieve acceptable reading ability.

© 1988 Optical Society of America