A comparative study in the use of closed-circuit television reading machines and optical aids by patients with retinitis pigmentosa and maculopathy.

Patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) who have insufficient vision to benefit from optical low vision aids are frequently helped by the closed-circuit television (CCTV) reading machines. RP patients' use of the CCTV is compared with that of patients with maculopathy (i.e. a group with a central scotoma only, is compared to a group which also has additional peripheral field loss), and with that of a "normal" control group. The performance of people with RP is improved by using white print on a black background, while macular degeneration subjects have no significant preference. Speed limits appear to be a function of restrictions imposed by the machine. Both groups frequently read faster with "optical aids".