Comparison of reading speed and ocular fatigue symptoms in different reading postures among myopes and emmetropes

Aim: The purpose of this study to compare the reading speed and ocular symptoms in different reading postures among myopes and emmetropes. Objectives To determine the change in reading speed at different reading posture · Sitting · Standing · Supine. · To compare the reading speed within myopes and emmetropes. · To evaluate ocular fatigue experienced by the subjects while reading in different positions. Methods: This prospective observational study included 44 subjects aged between 18 to 35 years of Vittala International Institute of Ophthalmology. Complete routine eye examination was done after that subjects were divided into two groups (myopes and emmetropes). The purpose of the present study was to assess the reading speed and ocular fatigue symptoms between different reading postures like standing, sitting and supine position among myopes and emmetropes. Bailey-Lovie word reading chart was used to assess the reading speed and ocular fatigue symptoms questionnaire was used to assess ocular fatigue symptoms among myopes and emmetropes. Results: A total of 44 subjects with a mean age of 23.43±3.18 years were enrolled in the study, with 22 subjects each in the emmetropia and myopia groups. The majority of participants were female, comprising 72.7% (n = 32). Comparison of reading speed and ocular fatigue in different reading position (standing, sitting and supine) between myopes and emmetropes was conducted using independent-t test. The comparison of reading speed and ocular fatigue in different position within the groups was conducted using the repeated measures of ANOVA. It has found that there is significant difference in reading speed and ocular fatigue score between myopes and emmetropes in standing and sitting position. Conclusion: The purpose of the present study was to assess the reading speed and ocular fatigue symptoms between different reading postures like standing, sitting and supine position among myopes and emmetropes. We got significant difference in reading speed and ocular fatigue between myopes and emmetropes in all three reading postures. Reading posture affects the reading speed and ocular fatigue both for myopes and emmetropes. It has found that reading speed is more in sitting position for emmetropes and in supine position for myopes. In sitting position, both myopes and emmetropes are comparatively less symptomatic with ocular fatigue.