The effects of nystagmus on reading Japanese language in school-age children

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Published
2013
Resource Type
journal article
Publisher
Niigata Society of Health and Welfare

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Purpose: To evaluate, through reading speed, the visual performance of Japanese school children with infantaile nystagmus syndrome (INS) in comparison to children with normal vision with respect to the smallest print size used in school texts. Methods: The Japanese reading chart was used to measure the reading speed of 36 subjects diagnosed with congenital nystagmus. The reading parameters for this group were compared to those of children with normal vision, and the correlation value with visual acuity was determined. For subjects in whom the maximum reading speed declined or the critical print size was large, the type of nystagmus, intensity, presence of a position where the nystagmus was minimal (null zone), and suppression of nystagmus due to convergence were examined. Results: Maximum reading speed was 60% of the rate for children with normal vision. There was a significantly decline in reading speed even in cases of normal visual acuity (p = 0.0032). Critical print size was smaller with improved visual acuity (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Reading parameters were found to be reduced in 26 of 36 subjects (72%). Among the 18 subjects whose reading speed and critical print size were both decreased, INS plus congenital cataract and unassociated INS (five subjects for each), INS plus congenital glaucoma (two subjects), INS plus: cone function disorder, macular degeneration, macular hypoplasia, ocular albinism, choroidal coloboma, and retinitis pigmentosa (one subject for each) were observed. Conclusion: Nystagmus decreases reading efficiency, and requires larger print size for efficient reading. Reading evaluation should be included in testing of school children with INS.

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