Adaptive Eye Movements: Rethinking the Origins of Infantile Nystagmus Research Details

Brief plain language background 

Infantile nystagmus (IN) is a condition in which the eyes oscillate incessantly. It is incurable and lifelong, beginning in infancy. IN is usually associated with one of many underlying visual defects, but sometimes presents on its own. Most research into the cause has focused on the associated conditions and their genetics. Yet, despite the varied underlying conditions, the nystagmus has similar properties. The proposed study will investigate whether IN is an adaptation to low vision.  

What problem/knowledge gap does it help address 

When typically-sighted people ‘fixate’ (hold their eyes steady), there is a continuous tiny movement of the eyes (fixational eye movements; FEMs). These are known to be tuned to the current visual task and optimised for best vision. Remarkably, this discovery is similar to a theoretical model proposed to explain the oscillations characteristic of IN, which are equally tuned to optimise vision. Thus, IN may have a similar underlying mechanism to typical FEMs despite their gross dissimilarity in scale. If so, IN oscillations would be the product of normal development but in the presence of a visual impairment existing from birth.  

Aim of the project 

To investigate how the retina is affected in a model of MPSIIIC and how these affects contribute to retinal damage. 

This award will also help the researcher gain key skills for a career in vision research, including eye-related laboratory skills, improved understanding of genetic eye disease and genetic therapies, and research management and design. 

Potential impact on people with sight loss 

Carrying out these experiments is necessary to understand how this newly recognised condition affects the retina. The research project will act as a first step towards a knowledge base that is essential when exploring treatment options.