Vision and reading abilities in Icelandic children ages 8‐12 years

• Main Author: Ragnarsdottir, Jona Birna
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: lesehastighet; akkomodasjon; lesevansker; VDP::Medical disciplines: 700::Clinical medical disciplines: 750::Ophthalmology: 754; Reykjanesbær; Iceland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11250/2396130

Background: Reading tasks are challenging for the visual system and under normal conditions reading is more or less effortless. The aim for this study was firstly to examine if there is a correlation between reading speed, DEM saccade test and several accommodation functions such as binocular accommodation amplitude, binocular accommodation facility, positive‐ and negative relative accommodation, MEM retinoscopy and cross card. Secondly, to establish which test procedures are most important to prioritize in the optometric practice when having a person with poor reading performance. Methods: A cross‐sectional study with the study population of 29 children from Reykjanesbær, Iceland. The participants were between the ages of 8‐12 years old with mean age 10,1 ± 1,35(STD) years with and without reading problems were recruited from the ophthalmology practice during the period 1st October 2015 to 31st March 2016. Patients at the ophthalmology practice that meet the study criteria were given an opportunity to participate in the study. Reading speed was composed from Logos screening test results. Results: No correlation was found between reading speed and binocular accommodation amplitude, binocular accommodation facility, positive‐ and negative relative accommodation, MEM retinoscopy and cross card. Conclusions: Firstly, this research indicates no association between reading speed and accommodative functions and secondly, reading speed and DEM saccade test. For the purpose to establish what test to prioritize in the optometric practice when examining individual who has poor reading performance, it suggests to take suitable binocular vision examination, included DEM saccade test. Findings in this study are statistically inconsistent with the clinical expectations and reveal that further research with larger group of participants is necessary.