Visual and vestibular determinants of the translational vestibulo-ocular reflex

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2011 Sep:1233:263-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06148.x.

Abstract

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. First, subjects viewed their environment through an optical device that required eye movements to increase by ∼50% to maintain fixation of a stationary visual target. During vertical translation, eye movements did increase, but tVOR CR remained at ∼0.5. Second, subjects viewed through LCD goggles providing 4 Hz strobe vision that minimized retinal image motion; this reduced tVOR CR. Finally, subjects were rotated in roll while they translated vertically; no increase in tVOR occurred. Taken with prior studies, we conclude that tVOR is optimally set to generate eye rotations that are about 50% of those required to stabilize the line of sight.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Movements / physiology
  • Female
  • Gravitation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motion
  • Motion Perception / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation
  • Pursuit, Smooth / physiology
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology*
  • Rotation
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiology*