Visual and vestibular determinants of the translational vestibulo-ocular reflex.

Prior studies indicate that the human translational vestibulo-ocular reflex (tVOR) generates eye rotations approximately half the magnitude required to keep the line of sight pointed at a stationary object--a compensation ratio (CR) of ∼0.5. We asked whether changes of visual or vestibular stimuli could increase the CR of tVOR.

Effects of topical brinzolamide on infantile nystagmus syndrome waveforms: eyedrops for nystagmus.

Background: Recent advances in infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) surgery have uncovered the therapeutic importance of proprioception. In this report, we test the hypothesis that the topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) brinzolamide (Azopt) has beneficial effects on measures of nystagmus foveation quality in a subject with INS.

Methods: Eye movement data were taken, using a high-speed digital video recording system, before and after 3 days of the application of topical brinzolamide 3 times daily in each eye.

Mutation screen of beta-crystallin genes in 274 patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: The crystallin family of proteins comprise the main structural proteins of the vertebrate lens and have been classified into alpha-, beta-, and gamma- families. Several of the beta-crystallin proteins have been detected in the retina where they are each localized to different compartments of rod and cone photoreceptors. Functionally, beta-crystallins have been implicated in the protection of the retina from intense light exposure.

Evaluation of optic neuropathy in multiple sclerosis using low-contrast visual evoked potentials.

Background: Contrast acuity (identification of low-contrast letters on a white background) is frequently reduced in patients with demyelinating optic neuropathy associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), even when high-contrast (Snellen) visual acuity is normal. Since visual evoked potentials (VEPs) induced with high-contrast pattern-reversal stimuli are typically increased in latency in demyelinating optic neuropathy, we asked if VEPs induced with low-contrast stimuli would be more prolonged and thus helpful in identifying demyelinating optic neuropathy in MS.

Methods: We studied 15 patients with clinically definite MS and 15 age-matched normal controls.

Dynamic properties of eye movements in mitochondrial chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

Aims: To relate dynamic properties of eye movements to visual disability in a patient with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) due to mitochondrial DNA deletion.

Methods: Visual function was evaluated by neuro-ophthalmological examination and visual function index (VF-14). Eye movements were measured using the magnetic search coil technique.