Reading with peripheral vision: A comparison of reading dynamic scrolling and static text with a simulated central scotoma

- The study investigated reading static and scrolling text with an artificial scotoma.
- There was better adherence to eccentric viewing strategy with scrolling text.
- Reading accuracy was also improved with scrolling text.
- Reading aids using scrolling text may improve reading with central vision loss.

Horizontally scrolling text is, in theory, ideally suited to enhance viewing strategies recommended to improve reading performance under conditions of central vision loss such as macular disease, although it is largely unproven in this regard. This study investigated if the use of scrolling text produced an observable improvement in reading performed under conditions of eccentric viewing in an artificial scotoma paradigm. Participants (n = 17) read scrolling and static text with a central artificial scotoma controlled by an eye-tracker. There was an improvement in measures of reading accuracy, and adherence to eccentric viewing strategies with scrolling, compared to static, text. These findings illustrate the potential benefits of scrolling text as a potential reading aid for those with central vision loss.