Evaluating the Reading Performance of Chinese Glaucoma Patients by Using the C-Read Device

Purpose : The C-Read is a type of Chinese reading-ability test chart, with its supporting electronic portable device that assesses Chinese reading ability. This study evaluates the reading performance of Chinese glaucoma patients using C-Read device. Methods : A total of 163 glaucoma patients (326 eyes), 56 age-matched healthy controls (112 eyes) and 220 young healthy controls (440 eyes) were recruited. C-Read measured reading acuity (RA), maximum reading speed (MRS), and critical print size (CPS) in simplified Chinese. Glaucoma patients were classified by the Aulhorn and Karmeyer classification (A&K) and visual field defect location (superior, inferior, or annular). Results : Glaucoma patients showed significantly lower RA, MRS, and CPS compared to age-matched (RA: P < 0.001; MRS: P = 0.016; CPS: P=0.001) and young healthy controls (all P < 0.001). Reading performance declined with increased glaucoma severity and was significantly impaired even in mild cases (all P < 0.001). Annular visual field defects resulted in the lowest reading abilities (all P < 0.001). VFQ-25 scores correlated with age, spherical equivalent (SE), and A&K classification (all P < 0.001). Conclusions : C-Read is an effective method for evaluating reading ability in Chinese glaucoma patients. Severity, visual field defect location, age, and refractive status impact reading ability and QoL. Early-stage glaucoma patients experience reading impairment, particularly with central visual field involvement. Reading ability correlates with QoL, reflecting glaucoma's impact on visual function and daily activities. The test's high sensitivity suggests its potential as an economical early screening tool for glaucoma.