Eye-Tracking Metrics as a Digital Biomarker for Neurocognitive Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review
Sonja Cecchetti1, Andrew T Duchowski2, Marco Cavallo1
1Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy.
Brain Sciences
|February 26, 2025
Summary
Eye tracking shows promise for detecting cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS). Anti-saccade metrics, like latency and errors, are key indicators needing further research for early MS neurocognitive disorder detection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative autoimmune disease impacting cognitive function.
- Eye-tracking studies are emerging to link eye movements with cognitive impairment in MS.
- Methodological heterogeneity in current research hinders a clear understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a scoping review of literature on eye movements and cognitive impairment in MS.
- To identify relevant eye-tracking metrics for assessing the neurocognitive profile of individuals with MS.
- To evaluate the potential of eye tracking in early neurocognitive disorder detection in MS.
Main Methods:
- In-depth scoping review of existing literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating eye movements in relation to cognitive function in MS patients.
- Identification and evaluation of proposed eye-tracking metrics.
Main Results:
- Anti-saccade latency and errors were the most frequently reported metrics.
- Significant associations were found between these oculomotor metrics and cognitive measures.
- Eye tracking shows potential for early detection of neurocognitive disorders in MS.
Conclusions:
- Eye tracking, particularly anti-saccade metrics, is a promising tool for assessing neurocognitive deficits in MS.
- Further multidisciplinary research is needed to explore MS heterogeneity and disease variables.
- Future studies should investigate the temporal relationship between oculomotor dysfunction and cognitive decline in MS.
