Spatial remapping improves reading with simulated central field loss

One way to potentially aid reading with central field loss (CFL) is to spatially remap text outside the scotoma to appear in functioning visual field locations. We tested spatial remapping using a sentence reading task with typically sighted readers and simulated scotomata. Participants read sentences with six different remapping strategies of shifting text around the scotoma and with simulated scotomata of three shapes to assess (a) whether spatial remapping improved reading speed generally and (b) whether customization of spatial remapping based on the shape of the simulated scotoma provided additional improvement. Faster reading was observed in at least one remapping condition compared to a no-remapping condition with a simulated scotoma in all participants, with an average improvement of 23.80%. Customization was also important; the remapping strategies that resulted in the fastest reading depended on the shape of the scotoma. The results showed a strong effect of remapping on reading speed. Thus, customizable spatial remapping can aid reading in the presence of a simulated scotoma and should be considered for evaluation in patients with CFL, where it can be used to shift text to areas with functioning visual capabilities.