Hadas Ben‐Eli

Purpose To evaluate the directional effect of number calling on the developmental eye movement (DEM) test in Hebrew‐speaking children who read from right (R) to left (L). Previously, the DEM has been studied in nine languages, all read from L to R and has never been tested on Hebrew speakers. Methods Healthy Hebrew‐speaking children, aged 6–13 years were divided into two age groups (6–9, 10–13 years). Children had near visual acuity of 0.00 logMAR or better, no strabismus, stereoacuity ≤100 s of arc and near point of convergence ≤6 cm. The DEM test was performed twice, from R to L and L to R, randomly. Comparisons between age groups for horizontal and vertical reading speed and ratio between reading directions were analysed, as well as the correlation between age and directionality. Results A total of 92 children were included; 48 and 44 in the 6–9 and 10–13 year age groups, respectively. The mean vertical and horizontal time for both directions (R to L and L to R) in the younger group was significantly slower than the older group ( p < 0.001). The older children showed no significant difference in the horizontal time reading from L to R and R to L. However, the younger children read more quickly in their native direction (R–L; 71.5 ± 25.9 s) compared with L–R (76.0 ± 31.4 s, p = 0.01). In both directions, the ratio was significantly higher in the younger age group. A negative correlation was demonstrated between age and reading ratio ( p = 0.001). Conclusions A clear directional preference of R to L was found in children under 10 years of age. We suggest administering the test from R to L in young Hebrew‐speaking children. These results may also apply to young Arab‐ and Persian‐speaking children who also read from R to L.