Evaluation of an electronic reading desk to measure reading acuity in pseudophakic patients

To compare a new electronic reading desk (Salzburg-Advanced) with conventional measurements of reading acuity.

Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.

Evaluation of diagnostic test.

In study 1, the electronic reading desk was compared with the same version of a printed reading chart. All patients were measured twice with autorefraction (Topcon KR8800) and subjective refraction. In study 2, patients were measured once. In addition, electronic reading desk measurements were obtained under different contrast and luminance levels.

Study 1 evaluated 100 eyes of 50 pseudophakic patients. Differences between the electronic reading desk and the printed version were small and not significant for reading speed (131.1 words per minute [wpm]±28.7 [SD] versus 134.9±20.7 wpm), reading distance (44.7±14.4 cm versus 39.6±7.6 cm), and smallest possible read print size (1.95±0.58 mm versus 2.02±0.70 mm), respectively. Study 2 evaluated 40 eyes of 20 pseudophakic patients. Reading acuity and the smallest possible read print size decreased with lower contrast and reduced luminance, whereas reading distance and reading speed did not change significantly.

Measurements performed with the electronic reading desk can be used interchangeably with those performed using a printed chart. The opportunity to preset standardized luminance and contrast settings could be useful for measurements in clinical trials.

Drs. Dexl and Grabner have a proprietary interest in the Salzburg Reading Desk technology as patent assignees. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.