Vergence Fusion Sustaining Oscillations

John Semmlow, Mitchell Scheiman, Chang Yaramothu, Tara L. Alvarez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the slow, or fusion sustaining, component of disparity vergence contains oscillatory behavior as would be expected if fusion is sustained by visual feedback. This study extends the examination of this behavior to a wider range of frequencies and a larger number of subjects. Methods: Disparity vergence responses to symmetrical 4.0 deg step changes in target position were recorded in 20 subjects. Approximately three seconds of the late component of each response were isolated using interactive graphics and the frequency spectrum calculated. Peaks in these spectra associated with oscillatory behavior were identified and examined. Results: All subjects exhibited oscillatory behavior with fundamental frequencies ranging between 0.37 and 0.55 Hz; much lower than those identified in the earlier study. All responses showed significant higher frequency components. The relationship between higher frequency components and the fundamental frequency suggest may be harmonics. A correlation was found across subjects between the amplitude of the fundamental frequency and the maximum velocity of the fusion initiating component probably due to the gain of shared neural pathways. Conclusion: Low frequency oscillatory behavior was found in all subjects adding support that the slow, or fusion sustaining, component is mediated by a feedback control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Eye Movement Research
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems

Keywords

  • feedback control
  • fusion sustaining component
  • oscillations
  • slow component
  • vergence

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