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Saccadic suppression under conditions of whiteout
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|July 1, 1982
Summary
Vision is impaired during saccadic eye movements, even in complete darkness. This study found visual sensitivity decreased by 0.7 to 1.1 log units during saccades, supporting a central inhibitory process theory.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Saccadic eye movements are rapid, ballistic movements of the eye.
- Saccadic suppression is a phenomenon where visual sensitivity is reduced during saccades.
- The role of visual contours in saccadic suppression is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure visual impairment during saccadic eye movements under controlled whiteout conditions.
- To investigate the effect of minimal contours on saccadic suppression.
- To test the hypothesis of a centrally originating inhibitory process during saccades.
Main Methods:
- Subjects viewed a uniform luminous field created by translucent diffusers.
- Visual sensitivity was assessed using brief luminance decrements (10 msec).
- Sensitivity was compared during 16-degree saccades versus periods of eye rest.
Main Results:
- Visual sensitivity was significantly lower (0.7–1.1 log units) during saccades compared to rest.
- Saccadic suppression was comparable to that observed under standard Ganzfeld conditions.
- Minimal contours had little impact on the degree of saccadic suppression.
Conclusions:
- Saccadic eye movements inherently impair visual sensitivity, independent of external contours.
- The findings support the theory that saccades are accompanied by a central inhibitory mechanism.
- This central inhibition plays a significant role in saccadic suppression, even with minimal visual cues.
