Abstract

When a maculopathy advances to a stage where an absolute central scotoma forms, visual performance in tasks such as reading significantly deteriorates beyond a level predicted by loss in visual acuity^1,2. Lore among low vision rehabilitation specialists identifies maculopathy as particularly troublesome to manage clinically. Even after compensation for the reduced visual acuity, other visual factors may hinder performance^1,3 and need to be addressed. In addition, patients may have difficulty adapting oculomotor control to use functioning peripheral retina that has requisite function and field of view. Any one of these factors might limit visual performance of a given patient. In order to rehabilitate visual performance efficiently, assessment procedures need to be developed that will identify the performance-limiting factors.

© 1988 Optical Society of America