Oculomotor changes in cats reared without experiencing continuous retinal image motion

Abstract

Eye movements recorded with the magnetic-field search coil technique from six cats raised in an 8 Hz stroboscopically illuminated environment were found to be normal with the exception of fixation and optokinetic nystagmus. Fixation eye movements were characterized by a 4–5 Hz conjugate pendular nystagmus superimposed on a wandering drift. Optokinetic nystagmus was very asymmetrical on monocular tests. Depriving the oculomotor system of experience with retinal slip velocity during development differentially effects fixation and smooth pursuit.