Correlation between visual acuity and reading ability versus status of fixation as measured by microperimeter MP-1 in eyes with eccentric fixation

Purpose : To report correlation among visual acuity, reading ability and status of fixation in eyes with eccentric fixation. Cases and Method : This study was made on 21 eyes of 17 persons with bilateral central scotoma. The series comprised 12 males and 5 females. The age ranged from 31 to 92 years, average 67 years. Age-related macular degeneration was present in 9 cases. Maximum reading ability was measured with MN read-J. Status and stability of fixation was measured with a microperimeter MP-1. Visual acuity for distance was expressed as logMAR. Results : Visual acuity ranged from 0.5 to 1.5, average 0.95. Maximum reading ability averaged 93 letters per minute. Degree of eccentric fixation was strongly correlated with visual acuity and maximum reading speed. Stability of eccentric fixation was weakly correlated with maximum reading speed only. Conclusion : Visual acuity and reading ability are more strongly correlated with degree of eccentric fixation than stability of fixation in persons with eccentric fixation.