Latency of sequential eye movements: implications for reading.

K Rayner; M L Slowiaczek; C Clifton; J H Bertera

doi:10.1037//0096-1523.9.6.912

Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 6227700

Latency of sequential eye movements: implications for reading.

K Rayner·M L Slowiaczek·C Clifton·J H Bertera

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

The best available estimates indicate that the average minimum latency of saccadic eye movements (175-200 msec) approaches the mean duration of fixations in reading (200-250 msec). This fact presents a problem for models of reading which assume that an eye movement is initiated only after substantial information is processed on a fixation. Three experiments are reported that support earlier estimates of saccadic latency; the experiments were conducted under conditions in which the length of measured latencies could not reflect a motoric refractory period, spatial uncertainty, or temporal uncertainty.

Explore related subjects

Eye Movements Fixation, Ocular Humans Models, Psychological Oculomotor Muscles Reaction Time Reading Saccades Journal Article Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

K Rayner, M L Slowiaczek, C Clifton, J H Bertera. 1983. Latency of sequential eye movements: implications for reading.. https://doi.org/10.1037/%2F0096-1523.9.6.912

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2007

Pulse-synchronous rotational and vertical pendular eye movements in superior canal dehiscence syndrome.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Eye Movements↗

PubMed2006

Asymmetrical bilateral paresis of the superior oblique muscle.

BACKGROUND: To review the preoperative signs of bilateral superior oblique paresis and to analyze their presence. METHODS: The proposed preoperative signs of bilateral superior oblique (SO) muscle paresis were separated into "certain signs" and "suspicious signs." The signs were analyzed for accuracy using case examples and statistics. RESULTS: A strong preoperative sign of bilateral SO muscle paresis was reversal of the hypertropia in the ipsilateral (and/or ipsi-supralateral) position and/or in the contralateral head tilt position. In such cases, the addition of a light contralateral weakening procedure to the operation aimed at the elimination of the hypertropia caused by the more affected SO muscle prevented development of the clinical picture of a contralateral SO muscle paresis. A suggestive preoperative sign of bilateral SO muscle weakness was marked reduction of the hypertropia in the ipsilateral (and ipsi-supralateral) position, as well as in the contralateral head tilt position. In these cases, a contralateral inferior oblique muscle weakening was deferred until after motility could be reassessed postoperatively. An additional sign of possible bilateral SO muscle weakness was the presence of a large V pattern. CONCLUSIONS: When planning surgery for apparent unilateral SO muscle paresis, the surgeon should be aware of the often subtle preoperative signs of bilateral SO muscle paresis. Early diagnosis allows the surgeon to avoid the reversal of the clinical picture or to advise the patient of the possibility of a bilateral problem.

Eye Movements↗

PubMed2006

The diagnosis and treatment of infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS).

The successful treatment of infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) depends primarily on accurate and repeatable diagnosis of the type(s) of nystagmus present as well as their variation with gaze and convergence angles or fixating eye. Research over the past 40 years has demonstrated that the only way to achieve both is by making and analyzing ocular motility recordings. Determination of the direct effects of peripheral and central INS therapies can only be made by pre- and post-therapy comparisons of the nystagmus characteristics, specifically of the quality of the foveation periods within each cycle. If one is only interested in cosmetic improvements, diminution of the nystagmus amplitude is all that need be measured. However, if improvement of visual function is the primary goal of therapy, then measurement of the pre- and post-therapy foveation quality must be made, both in primary position and over a broad range of gaze angles. The use of the eXpanded Nystagmus Acuity Function (NAFX) on nystagmus data yields both an accurate measure of foveation quality and a prediction of maximum potential acuity for the patient's waveform. When used with the patient's measured, pre-therapy visual acuity, the NAFX demonstrates the amount of visual acuity loss that is due to sensory abnormalities, demonstrates the amount due to the nystagmus waveform, and estimates the measured post-therapy acuity for all values of improved NAFX and gaze angles measured. The ability to predict visual acuity improvement was not possible before the use of the NAFX. The failure to incorporate accurate measures of nystagmus waveform and foveation quality into their diagnostic evaluation continues to deprive patients of the best possible standard of care and results in mistaken diagnoses as well as inappropriate and, in some cases, unneeded multiple surgeries.

Eye Movements↗