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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Oculomotor control in a group of very low birth weight (VLBW) children
1Division of Orthoptics, Department of Allied Health Professions, University of Liverpool, Thompson Yates Building, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. newts@liv.ac.uk
Insights
Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants show impaired oculomotor function, specifically higher anti-saccade errors and longer smooth pursuit latency. These visual processing deficits may contribute to reading difficulties in VLBW children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face risks of brain lesions like intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia.
- Even VLBW infants with normal IQ often experience reading difficulties, suggesting underlying non-cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate oculomotor performance differences between VLBW infants and full-term controls.
- To explore the association between oculomotor deficits and potential neurological impairments in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- Oculomotor performance was assessed in 14 VLBW infants (IQ > 85) and 15 age-matched full-term controls.
- Key metrics included anti-saccade error rates and smooth pursuit latency.
Main Results:
- VLBW infants exhibited significantly higher anti-saccade error rates (78%) compared to full-term controls (62%) (P = 0.02).
- Smooth pursuit eye movements showed longer latency in the VLBW group than in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated anti-saccade errors in VLBW infants may indicate frontal cortex lesions or developmental delays.
- Oculomotor deficits identified in VLBW children could underlie the increased incidence of reported reading difficulties.
Abstract:
VLBW infants are at risk of lesions including intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia. Those with normal IQ still present with reading difficulties. Oculomotor performance was assessed on 14 VLBWs (IQ > 85) and 15 full-term age-matched controls. Anti-saccade errors were significantly higher for the VLBWs (78%) compared to full terms (62%) (P = 0.02). Smooth pursuit latency was longer for the VLBWs compared to the full terms. Greater anti-saccade errors may be indicative of a lesion affecting the frontal cortex or developmental delay. Oculomotor deficits in VLBW children may be associated with the higher incidence of reading difficulties that have been reported.
