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Age-related deterioration of motion perception and detection
D B Tran1, S E Silverman, K Zimmerman
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging on motion detection and perception.
Methods:
Forty-six subjects, ages 19-92 years, were asked to view a motion stimulus. Infrared oculography was used to objectively evaluate motion detection by documenting the presence of optokinetic nystagmus as the subjects viewed the stimulus. Subjective responses to motion perception were recorded using a computer joystick.
Results:
Optokinetic nystagmus was clearly detectable in all 46 subjects. Motion detection and perception thresholds showed age-related deterioration. No relationship was found to gender or age-gender interaction.
Conclusion:
The results indicate motion detection and perception thresholds deteriorate with age. This may reflect a susceptibility to age-related degeneration in specific cortical areas responsible for motion perception as well as neurodegeneration in the retinogeniculate pathway.