Visual function, most notably acuity without LVAs, is the best predictor of self-reported VRAL assessed by the AI. Depression and adjustment to visual loss also significantly influence self-reported VRAL, largely independent of the severity of visual loss and most notably in the less vision-specific tasks. The results suggest that rehabilitation strategies addressing depression and adjustment could improve perceived visual disability.

The rate of change of visual performance with increasing eccentricity of fixation is known to be task dependent. In order to examine eccentricity-related changes in visual performance when a combination of two different factors influence thresholds, visual acuity in the presence of flanking elements was investigated across the visual field. Interference zones increased in extent with eccentricity at a much faster rate than did resolution thresholds. E2 values, quantifying the eccentricity-related magnification required, were 1-2 degrees for resolution and 0.1-0.2 degrees for spatial interference. E2 values for resolution in the presence of flanks depended on the proximity of the flanks and their 'weighting' in the task. From the results, the magnitude and extent of spatial interference across the visual field can be described quantitatively. Further, the results serve as an example of how observed variations in peripheral threshold gradients might be achieved as a combination of underlying factors with different E2 values.

For reading tasks not involving eye movements, there is an advantage in eccentrically fixating such that text falls in inferior rather than left visual field.

Previously reported superior visual acuity (VA) in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) may have resulted from methodological settings used (Ashwin, Ashwin, Rhydderch, Howells, & Baron-Cohen, 2009). The current study re-tested whether participants with (N=20) and without (N=20) ASC differ on psychophysical measures of VA. Participants' vision was corrected before acuity measurement, minimising refractive blur. VA was assessed with an ETDRS chart as well as the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT). FrACT testing was undertaken at 4m (avoiding limitations of pixel-size), using 36 trials (avoiding fatigue). Best corrected VA was significantly better than the initial habitual acuity in both groups, but adults with and without ASC did not differ on ETDRS or FrACT binocular VA. Future research should examine at which level of visual processing sensory differences emerge.

BackgroundTo assess the cross-sectional association between self-rated eyesight and physical activity behaviour in a large general population sample of older English adults.MethodsAnalyses of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants provided information on self-rated eyesight (categorised as: excellent/very good/good/fair–poor) and their own physical activity levels (categorised as: inactive/moderate only at least 1/week, vigorous at least 1/week). Associations between self-rated eyesight and physical activity levels were examined using logistic regression.ResultsA total of 6634 participants (mean age 65.0±9.2 years) were included in the analyses. In adjusted logistic regression models, those with fair–poor and good eyesight were significantly more likely to be inactive than those who reported excellent eyesight (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.72; OR 1.59, 1.27 to 1.99, respectively).ConclusionIn this sample of older English adults, those with self-rated fair–poor vision were over twice as likely to be physically inactive than those who reported having excellent vision. When consistent data have emerged, interventions to increase physical activity in those who have poor eyesight are needed.