Development of a novel Korean reading chart.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vision Science
• Clinical Measurement

Background:

• Assessing reading ability is vital for patients with reduced vision.
• Existing Korean reading charts are insufficient for detecting vision deficits in patients with eye diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a reliable Korean reading chart.
• To assess reading ability in normal-sighted adults and patients with macular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Two printed Korean reading charts were created.
• Thirty-four participants (normal-sighted and macular disease patients) were tested.
• Inter-chart and intra-subject reliability of maximum reading speed (MRS) and critical print size (CPS) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The reading chart demonstrated high test-retest and inter-chart reliability (ICCs > 0.892).
• Patients with more severe macular disease (group 3) showed lower MRS and larger CPS.
• No significant differences in MRS and CPS were found between normal-sighted adults and patients with mild macular disease.

Conclusions:

• The developed Korean reading chart is a reliable tool for assessing reading ability.
• The chart provides consistent results in both normal Korean populations and patients with macular diseases.