ABSTRACT
Nystagmus introduces a dynamic element to the visual experience, complicating tasks that rely heavily on stable and focused vision, such as reading. Purpose: This Study investigated the effect of Nystagmus on the reading ability of albinos,prevalence of Nystagmus inalbinosandthe difference in the reading ability of non-albinos and human albinos. Methodology: A total population size of 66 (33 Albinos with mean age 18 and 33 Control with mean age 22)participants was used. Reading speed (WPM) and Nystagmus(OPM) was measured for both steady and gaze contingent text reading. Result: The result revealedthat there was a prevalence of 50 % nystagmusamong the albinos from the sample population. The mean reading ability(WPM) for steady text according to genderfor male was 105.21±𝟒𝟑. 𝟓𝟔,female was 111.68±𝟓𝟑. 𝟔𝟑,for ageteenagers(13-17)was 95.80±𝟐𝟎. 𝟏𝟕,adolescent(18-22) was110.87±𝟔𝟒. 𝟒𝟑,with category of vison normal vision was140.80±𝟐𝟐. 𝟓𝟕, mild/moderate low vision was 108.60±𝟓𝟎. 𝟒𝟗, for gaze contingent text male was 67.93±𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟑, female was 82.47±𝟑𝟐. 𝟒𝟑,teenagers(13-17) was 71.80±𝟐𝟏. 𝟏𝟐,adolescent(18-22) was 74.87±𝟑𝟓. 𝟑𝟔, normal vision was 90.20±𝟐𝟗. 𝟖𝟑, mild low vision was 98.22±𝟑𝟎. 𝟓𝟎.Conclusion: Statistically, Nystagmus has no significant effect on the reading ability of people living with albinism (P>0.05) with comparison under age, gender and level of vision, but there was a significant difference between the WPM of albino and normal control (P<0.05). This study shows the relationship between nystagmus, gender, age, and visual acuity in shaping the reading ability of individuals with albinism. For the gender relationship, the statistical value was 0.42, for age relationship p=0.157 and level of vision relationship p = 0.534 which were all not significant. These findings will help explore innovative intervention strategies tailored to address the reading challenges faced by individuals with albinism and nystagmus.
