Simulated cataract does not reduce the benefit of RSVP

Normally sighted younger and older (mean age 71 years) observers read sentences and random lists of words from a rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) display and a scroll display using their normal vision and through two levels of cataract simulators. Unlike patients with central field loss (CFL), there was no decrease in the benefit of RSVP with reduced vision due to the cataract simulators. However, the usefulness of sentence-level context was reduced as visual acuity was reduced. In addition, older readers did not benefit as much from RSVP as younger readers, and many in the older group were unable to read using the more severe cataract simulators from either display format. From these data we conclude that the benefits of RSVP are not reduced with reduced acuity and contrast sensitivity, and that there are age-related changes in reading rates from dynamic text displays not related to acuity.