Rehabilitation of reading in older individuals with macular degeneration: a review of effective training programs

Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn. 2011 Nov;18(6):708-32. doi: 10.1080/13825585.2011.613451. Epub 2011 Oct 12.

Abstract

Macular degeneration (MD) is the most common cause of visual impairment among older adults. It severely affects reading performance. People with MD have to rely on peripheral vision for reading. In this review, we considered several training programs that aim to improve peripheral reading, with a focus on eccentric viewing, oculomotor control, or perceptual learning. There was no strong support in favor of one particular training method for rehabilitation of reading in MD, but there is evidence that older individuals with MD can be trained to improve reading performance, even within limited time.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Geriatrics*
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology
  • Macular Degeneration / complications*
  • Macular Degeneration / rehabilitation*
  • Reading*
  • Vision, Low / etiology
  • Vision, Low / rehabilitation
  • Visual Fields / physiology
  • Visual Perception / physiology