Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Enhance Perceptual Learning of Chinese Character Reading in Adults With Macular Degeneration.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Macular degeneration impairs central vision, compelling patients to use their peripheral vision for reading, which is difficult due to reduced spatial resolution and crowding. Although perceptual learning improves reading, single-session anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the visual cortex has shown inconsistent outcomes, with transient improvements observed in English reading but no benefit for Chinese reading in macular degeneration patients. This randomized controlled trial investigated whether combining multi-session a-tDCS with perceptual learning enhances Chinese reading performance in these patients compared to sham stimulation.

Methods

Twenty Chinese-reading patients with macular degeneration (39-90 years old) were randomized to rece

SUBMITTER: Lyu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805963 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature