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Effect of age on ocular microtremor activity
C Bolger1, S Bojanic, N F Sheahan
1Department of Neurosurgery, Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Background:
Ocular microtremor (OMT) is a high-frequency tremor of the eyes. It is present in all individuals and is related to brainstem activity. The OMT signal appears as an irregular oscillatory movement with intermittent burst-like components. The clinical interest in OMT has centered on its use in the assessment of the comatose patient, with broad agreement among authors of its prognostic value. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in OMT activity related to aging.
Methods:
OMT was recorded from 72 normal healthy subjects using the piezoelectric strain gauge technique. The subjects ranged in age from 21 to 88 years (54.22 +/- 20.43 years, mean +/- SD).
Results:
Our results show that the overall frequency and frequency content of the bursts falls with age (p < .002 and p < .001, respectively). There is a highly significant drop in all three frequency parameters of OMT (p < .0001) in subjects older than 60 years of age.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that different values of normality should operate for subjects over 60 years of age when considering the clinical application of OMT.
Insights
Ocular microtremor (OMT) frequency decreases with age, particularly after 60. This finding suggests age-specific OMT reference values for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Ocular microtremor (OMT) is a high-frequency eye tremor linked to brainstem activity.
- OMT signals exhibit irregular oscillations and burst-like components.
- OMT is clinically valuable for assessing comatose patients and has prognostic significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related changes in ocular microtremor (OMT) activity.
- To establish normative OMT data across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- OMT was recorded from 72 healthy subjects using piezoelectric strain gauge technique.
- Subject age ranged from 21 to 88 years.
Main Results:
- A significant decline in OMT overall frequency and burst frequency content was observed with increasing age (p < .002 and p < .001).
- Subjects over 60 years old showed a highly significant drop in all three OMT frequency parameters (p < .0001).
Conclusions:
- Age significantly impacts OMT frequency parameters.
- Age-specific reference values for OMT are recommended for individuals over 60 for accurate clinical interpretation.