The dependence of reading parameters determined by standardized Russian-language test charts from age

Background. In clinical ophthalmology, tests based on checking reading parameters are increasingly used. The development of a Russian-language test charts to evaluate reading parameters based on international standards with determining age-related reading standards will allow to use them to assess the dynamics of various diseases. Purpose. To determine the indicators of reading parameters in subjects of different age groups and to evaluate the relationship of the main indicators with age. Material and methods. We have developed Russian-language test charts to determine reading parameters in accordance with international standards. Reading parameters were investigated in 135 volunteers divided into 3 age groups: 18–39, 40–59 and 60–81 years old. The maximum reading speed, a critical print size and reading acuity were determined. Results. In the course of the study, age-related norms for the main reading parameters were determined. The maximum reading speed in the I, II and III groups was 192.5 ± 1.2, 180.6 ± 1.1 and 168.9 ± 0.8 words/min respectively. The critical print size in I, II and III groups was 0.14 ± 0.01, 0.24 ± 0.01 and 0.36 ± 0.01 LogMAR respectively. Reading acuity in groups was 0.009 ± 0.006, 0.075 ± 0.04 and 0.143 ± 0.005 LogMAR respectively. The differences between the studied indicators in I/II, I/III and II/III groups were statistically reliable (p < 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation was obtained between maximum reading speed and age; the correlation coefficient was –0.61. Conclusion.The obtained read parameters can be used as indicative age standards.