Impact of the Ability to Divide Attention on Reading Performance in Glaucoma

Abstract

PurposeTo determine if the ability to divide attention affects the relationship between glaucoma-related vision loss and reading speed.MethodsBetter eye mean deviation (MD), contrast sensitivity (CS), and better-eye distance visual acuity (VA) were measured in 28 participants with glaucoma and 21 controls. Reading speeds were assessed using MNRead, IRest, and sustained silent reading tests (words per minute, wpm). The ability to divide attention was measured using the Brief Test of Attention (BTA; scored 0–10). Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between visual factors and reading speeds. Effect modification by BTA score (low BTA: <7; high BTA: ≥7) was examined.ResultsWorse CS (per 0.1 log unit) was associated with slower maximum reading speed on MNRead test for participants with low BTA scores (β = −9 wpm; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −16, −2), but not for those with high BTA scores (β = −2 wpm; 95% CI: −6, +2). Similarly, for the IRest test, worse CS was associated with slower reading speeds (β = −12 wpm; 95% CI: −20, −4) among those with low, but not high BTA scores (β = −4 wpm; 95% CI: −10, +2). For the sustained silent reading test, glaucoma status (versus controls), worse visual field (VF) MD (per 5 dB), and worse CS were associated with 39%, 21%, and 19% slower reading speeds, respectively, for those with low BTA scores (P < 0.05), but these associations were not significant among those with high BTA scores (P > 0.1 for all).ConclusionsDecreased ability to divide attention, indicated by lower BTA scores, is associated with slower reading speeds in glaucoma with reduced CS and VF defects.

Altered coupling of cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity strength in visual and higher order cognitive cortices in primary open angle glaucoma

“…55,56 The middle frontal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule are components of the dorsal attentional network (DAN), 57 which mediates attention, working memory and higher order cognitive processes. These changes were in accordance with previous studies suggesting neurodegenerative processing in POAG, 58 which might be related to the abnormalities in reading, 59 visual search, 60 face recognition, 61 visual object categorization, 62 dividing attention 59 and way finding observed in POAG patients. However, we did not find any significant correlations between the neuropsychological assessment indices and the CBF/FCS ratio.…”

Visual function tests for glaucoma practice - What is relevant?

“…However, this is not always true. [ 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 ] The probable mechanisms for the reading disability and reading restrictions cited are aberrant eye movements from field defects, inability to read low contrast stimuli, poor visual acuity, and improper lighting.…”

Challenges Faced by Students with Low Vision in Preparing for their Public Exams: A Qualitative Study

“…It makes it more accessible for teens to progress in their education (Chanfreau & Cebulla, 2009). It is equally crucial in empowering individuals at their workplaces in their adulthoods, hence contributing to the satisfaction of the ordinary aspects of life, such as support autonomy and improving general well-being (Swenor et al, 2017).…”