Effect of simulated astigmatic refractive error on reading performance in the young

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Astigmatism is a common refractive error impacting visual clarity.
• Few studies have quantified the functional impact of uncorrected astigmatism on reading fluency.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for developing clinical guidelines for astigmatism correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional effects of induced astigmatism on reading fluency measures in young adults.
• To compare the impact of against-the-rule (ATR) and with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism on reading performance.
• To provide evidence for refining criteria for prescribing astigmatism correction.

Main Methods:

• Thirty young adults with normal vision participated.
• Astigmatism (1.00 and 2.00 diopters cylinder) was induced at different axes.
• Reading fluency was assessed using the Discrete Reading Rate (DRR) and Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) tests, along with Visagraph eye-tracking.

Main Results:

• Induced astigmatism significantly reduced both distance and near visual acuity.
• Reading speed decreased by up to 24% for smaller print sizes with induced astigmatism.
• DEM subtest completion times were impaired, especially with higher astigmatism levels and ATR orientation.
• Visagraph eye movement patterns during reading were not significantly affected.

Conclusions:

• Induced astigmatism impairs performance on key reading fluency tests.
• Against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism had a more significant negative impact than with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism.
• Findings suggest that even mild astigmatism (1.00 DC) warrants consideration in clinical prescribing guidelines.