Light sensitivity in peripheral retinal fields of dyslexic and proficient readers

Abstract

This present study furthers research on perceptual differences between dyslexics and normal readers which is contrary to the current linguistic approaches to this problem. Specifically, thresholds of light intensity for small retinal areas were examined. As hypothesized, the peripheral retinas of proficient readers evidenced lower thresholds than the peripheral retinas of dyslexic readers. These results are consistent with Grosser and Spafford's previous research which showed that dyslexics were better able to detect colors with their peripheral retinas than proficient readers. This research lends support to the premise that dyslexics' retinas have unusually high cone density in the periphery. Additional research is warranted to improve both diagnosis and treatment of dyslexia.