Reading in children with low vision

Abstract

There have been numerous and extensive studies into the visual requirements for reading in adults with low vision. There are far fewer studies involving children with low vision. This article compares the studies on children which do exist with the findings in adults. Acuity reserve (magnification), contrast reserve and visual field requirements are considered. We also review the literature which compares the efficacy of large print with optical magnification for children. From the few studies that exist, there are indications that the requirements for children are not the same as for adults. Therefore, we suggest that one cannot directly apply the results from adults to children and that there is a gap in the literature (and therefore our understanding) of the visual requirements for reading in children.

Keywords

• Reading
• Low vision
• Children
• Acuity reserve
• Contrast reserve
• Visual field