Glaucoma has an adverse effect on reading ability, according to a new study. However, reading speed also depends upon race and upon level of education. More needs to be done to see how disabling glaucoma may be.

Summary

Glaucoma is a common eye condition characterized by a build-up of pressure in the eyeball. It does not appear to cause any real problems until it is really advanced, so it is not clear who ought to be treated for it. But, in reality, the level of disability linked to glaucoma is not really known, which is why this study on the impact of the condition on reading was carried out.

Introduction

Glaucoma affects around two percent of those aged 40 or over. The disease does not produce obvious visual problems in its early stages so may go undetected or untreated. But some of those with glaucoma do complain of reading difficulties. This problem was explored as part of the Salisbury Eye Evaluation, an ongoing study of the impact of eye diseases in the population of Salisbury, Maryland.

What was done

Researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University assessed a group of 1154 individuals of average age 80 for glaucoma status and reading speed. Those reading at less than 90 words a minute were classed as being reading impaired.

What was found

A total of 1,017 participants did not have glaucoma. Seventy three had glaucoma in one eye and 64 had it in both eyes. Reading impairment was found in 16 percent of those without glaucoma and in 21 percent of those with unilateral glaucoma. Among those with glaucoma in both eyes, reading ability was impaired in 28 percent of cases.

What this study means

Glaucoma can have a significant effect upon reading ability which can impair the individual's quality of life and independence. Level of education and race also affected reading speed, which complicated the results. However, the researchers do say that the reading speed measurement gives a more accurate assessment than self-report of reading impairment. The problem is one of impaired visual acuity and it is possible that the reading aloud method might underestimate the problem that some with glaucoma find with private every day reading. Therefore, doctors should be ready to treat those whose glaucoma is affecting their reading.

Source

Glaucoma and reading speed PY. Ramulu, SK. West,  et al, Archives of Ophthalmology, January 2009, vol. 127, pp. 82--87