Ocular motor disorders.
Anna Willard1, Christian J Lueck
1Department of Neurology, The Canberra Hospital and Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|December 5, 2013
Summary
Abnormalities in saccadic eye movements are linked to various neurological diseases, aiding in diagnosis and understanding brain function. These eye movement changes offer clinical insights into disease subtypes and cognitive processes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Eye movements, particularly saccades, offer insights into normal brain function.
- Abnormalities in saccadic eye movements are associated with various neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Saccadic abnormalities can serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on saccadic abnormalities in various diseases.
- To explore the diagnostic and clinical utility of saccadic eye movements in neurological disorders.
- To highlight the role of saccades in understanding cognitive function and motor system disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature focusing on saccadic eye movement abnormalities.
- Analysis of studies investigating saccadic abnormalities in conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, dementia, and schizophrenia.
- Examination of research on microsaccades and their potential as fatigue markers.
Main Results:
- Saccadic abnormalities are prevalent in diverse diseases including Parkinson's, Huntington's, dementia, cerebellar disorders, and schizophrenia.
- Saccadic patterns can differentiate between subtypes of neurological diseases, aiding in precise diagnosis.
- Microsaccadic abnormalities suggest potential as markers for fatigue and other conditions.
Conclusions:
- Saccadic eye movements are valuable tools for studying the human motor system in health and disease.
- Assessment of saccades provides insights into cognitive functions and neurological disorders.
- Clinical application of saccadic eye movement analysis in both laboratory and bedside settings is expected to increase.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
4.3K
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
4.3K
01:20Muscles of the Eye
6.4K
The muscles of the eye are sophisticated structures that control eye movement and focus, allowing for the precise and rapid adjustments necessary for vision. The human eye is controlled by ten muscles — six extraocular muscles, three intraocular muscles, and one primary eyelid retractor muscle.
Extraocular Muscles
The six extraocular muscles surround the eyeball and control its movements. They are responsible for a wide range of eye motions, including looking up, down, left, right, and...
Extraocular Muscles
The six extraocular muscles surround the eyeball and control its movements. They are responsible for a wide range of eye motions, including looking up, down, left, right, and...
6.4K
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
8.5K
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...
8.5K
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.6K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.6K