Original Ocular Motor Analysis of the First Human with Achiasma: Documentation of Work Done in 1994

 

L.F. DellÕOsso, Ph.D.

 

 

From the Daroff-DellÕOsso Ocular Motility Laboratory, Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center and Depts. of Neurology and Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH, USA

 

 

OMLAB Report #090506

Written: 08/26/06*; Placed on Web Page: 09/05/06; Last Modified: 09/05/06

Downloaded from: OMLAB.ORG

Send questions, comments, and suggestions to: lfd@case.edu

 

*This work was done in 1994 solely by the author and was supported by the Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs.

 

The purpose of this report is to place in the public domain the results of the original ocular motility analysis of the first human diagnosed with achiasma. The Figures presented herein were made in early 1994 by the author as part of his analysis of the first accurate horizontal and vertical eye-movement data made from a human with achiasma. They resurfaced during a recent move of our Laboratory into its new space. Because the work was paid for with US taxpayer money, with this publication, they are in the public domain, subject to proper scientific citation. The author suggested this study in 1993 to one of several co-investigators and designed and submitted the experimental protocol that was followed. The color Figures in this paper are in the original form in which they were generated on March 12 and 13, 1994 (although in a more modern electronic format). Black and white versions of these 32 data Figures plus 2 NFF and NAF analysis Figures were sent to a co-investigator on March 25, 1994 (receipt acknowledged in an email dated April 18, 1994); color slides of the 32 data Figures were also brought to that person for the 1994 ARVO presentation. They were part of confidential correspondence (1993 – 1994) that served as the foundation for both the above oral presentation and one or more joint publications that were to follow.  That co-investigator had the responsibility for writing the first draft of our paper but failed to do so despite repeated promises to our coauthors and to the department head and director of the lab where the data were taken. Instead, some of the confidential observations and conclusions provided by this author were subsequently inserted into publications (along with false and misleading statements) authored by that co-investigator without my permission or citation of their source.

 

During the ensuing years, that co-investigator not only failed to provide the promised draft to all the investigators involved in our study, but also attempted to publish the results of my confidential analysis in at least two Journals (Cortex and Vision Research) with either no mention or inadequate citation of their source (this author) or of any of the above investigators. Fortunately, two things occurred: 1) a diligent reviewer of Cortex was familiar with the facts of the dataÕs origin and 2) another of our original co-investigators found out that the submission to Vision Research listed him as a co-author without his knowledge; he demanded his name be removed. The Editors of both Journals were made aware of these facts and the true source of the data analysis and rightly refused to publish the submitted data. Eventually, a publication (coauthored by someone not associated with the original study) did appear in a more obscure Journal with the involvement of its Editor, who failed to acknowledge a written charge of plagiarism (including bowdlerized versions of some of my original Figures) that was sent to him.

 

In the interest of complete disclosure and historical accuracy, the original 32 data Figures and analysis are presented herein; they stand as indisputable evidence of the work done a decade before the above publication by individuals who had no role in either the analysis, interpretation, or display of this original fixation data. Neither the persons responsible for the behavior described above nor the resulting publication will be cited here, as they are undeserving of citation in a scientific publication; ethical scientists should not cite plagiarized papers. A historically accurate description of the discovery of see-saw nystagmus (SSN) first in a canine model of infantile nystagmus syndrome and later in this human has been published elsewhere (1), as have some of the conclusions made in 1994 (2). In addition, other related publications have also appeared which attempted to correct inaccurate statements that had been placed in the literature (3-5).

 

METHODS

Protocol

Informed consent was given by the patientÕs parents according to the requirements in force in the Netherlands at the time. The subject was seated with her head restrained by a bite bar ~5 ft from the visual displays. Fixed LED targets, a projected smooth pursuit laser spot, or moving visual field were used. The subject was instructed to look at (or follow) the target presented or, in the case of the moving visual field, to look straight ahead. For convergence targets, the subject was instructed to follow it as it approached or receded. She was instructed to keep both eyes open when one was occluded.

 

Eye-Movement Recordings

Horizontal and vertical eye movements were recorded in the laboratory of Dr. Han Collewijn using the magnetic scleral search coil method.

 

Analysis

Analysis and graphical presentations were originally done at the Daroff-DellÕOsso Ocular Motility Laboratory (fka Ocular Motor Neurophysiology Laboratory) in March of 1994, using ASYST and SigmaPlot software. Eye velocities were obtained by digital (2-point, central-difference algorithm) differentiation of the position signals. The author had previously developed the use of phase planes, scan paths, and conjugacy plots for the evaluation of nystagmus and the placement on the Figures of relevant foveal position and velocity boundaries related to good visual acuity and nystagmus foveation criteria.

 

RESULTS

The eye movements of this subject were videotaped prior to eye-movement recording. Viewing, by Drs. LA Abel, J Shallo-Hoffmann, and LF DellÕOsso, of the videotape shown at the 1993 ARVO meeting revealed a horizontal nystagmus that was conjugate and a vertical see-saw component; I later confirmed the see-saw nystagmus (SSN) by direct observation (1).

 

Eye Movements of the Achiasmic Subject

The following are descriptions of the 32 original eye-movement Figures that were provided to the above co-investigator. Some of the Figures deliberately contained redundant data to provide choices for different presentation at both the 1994 ARVO talk and ensuing papers. At the time of this work the term, Òinfantile nystagmus syndrome (INS)Ó was not yet in use and I used the prior term, Òcongenital nystagmus (CN).Ó

 

Figures 1-20: Both Eyes Viewing in Primary Position

 

Figure 1. Right-eye horizontal (REH) fixation vs. time, including the foveal radius ± the radius of the LED target and the ±2.5¡ region of the foveation periods (shown dashed). The waveforms were jerk (J) and jerk with extended foveation (Jef). The ±2.5¡ region was defined to allow calculation of various foveation and acuity functions for the subjectÕs variable-position foveation periods.

 

 

Figure 2. The same as Figure 1 but for the left eye horizontal (LEH). It shows the conjugacy of the CN and the esotropia.

 

Figure 3. An Eye Position Conjugacy Plot (EPCP) that I developed to demonstrate the conjugacy of the horizontal CN and disconjugacy of the vertical SSN. The EPCP can also be used to derive the horizontal and vertical tropias (or phorias, if one eye is covered). Thus, by superimposing the fovea (also extended fovea and 2.5¡ ÒfoveaÓ) on the EPCP (shown dashed), we can measure the tropias (they are indicated on the plot).

 

 

Figure 4. Right eye vertical (REV) vs. time for the same interval as in Figure 1 (with same foveal extents shown dashed). It shows the pendular nature of the SSN.

 

 

Figure 5. Eye Position Scan Path (EPSP) showing horizontal and vertical motion of the fixating RE for the same interval as Figure 1. Dotted plot allows one to see that most of the time fixation was within the ±2.5¡ radius about the foveal center.

 

 

Figure 6. Same as Figure 4 with both eyes shown to demonstrate the 180¡ phase relationship between the vertical pendular nystagmus of the two eyes.

 

 

Figure 7. Phase Plane (PP) for REH during interval of Figure 1. The ±2.5¡ by ±4¡/sec foveation window (FWIN) shown reversed-dashed. The rightward foveating saccades bring the image within the FWIN. PP trajectories are always clockwise.

 

 

Figure 8. Same as Figure 7 plus REV. The vertical nystagmus does not adversely affect foveation.

 

 

Figure 9. Five seconds (1-5) of record of Figure 1 showing both position (pos) and velocity (vel) of RE with a square-wave jerk (SWJ) superimposed on the CN.

 

 

Figure 10. Five seconds (10-15) of record of Figure 1 showing both position (pos) and velocity (vel) of RE with 3 square-wave jerks (SWJ) superimposed on the CN.

 

 

Figure 11. Same viewing conditions as Figure 1 but with spontaneous changes in fixating eye (RE to LE to RE), as shown. Jef and PPfs waveforms in both the fixating and esotropic eyes.

 

 

Figure 12. EPCP of Figure 1 showing the horizontal and vertical tropias under both fixation conditions.

 

 

Figure 13. REV and LEV during interval of Figure 11.

 

 

Figure 14. REH and LEH PPÕs with FWIN dashed.

 

 

Figure 15. REH vs. time for transition from LE to RE fixation during 5-sec (10-15) interval of Figure 11 record. CN waveforms are PPfs.

 

 

Figure 16. EPSP of REH and LEH during interval of Figure 11. Shows that LE is ET  and HYPOT (RE fixation) and RE is ET and HYPERT (LE fixation).

 

 

Figure 17. Same as Figure 8 with data within FWIN removed for clarity.

 

 

Figure 18. Same as Figure 14 with data within FWIN removed for clarity.

 

 

Figure 19. REH and LEH vs. time during NEAR and FAR fixation showing the improvement of foveation periods (lower SDPOS) during convergence.

 

 

Figure 20. REH PP during 7-sec interval of Figure 19 with FWIN (±0.5¡) shown at both fixation positions (w/o data in FWIN). Shows how much better the rightward (first NEAR fixation), and then leftward (second NEAR fixation), foveating saccades during NEAR take the eye to the target than during FAR.

 

Figures 21-24: Right Eye Fixation in Primary Position

 

Figure 21. REH and LEH vs. time for RE fixation with LE, esotropic. Pfs waveforms.

 

 

Figure 22. REH PP during interval of Figure 21. FWIN w/o data shown.

 

 

Figure 23. REH and REV PPÕs during interval of Figure 21. FWIN w/o data shown.

 

 

Figure 24. Horizontal and vertical EPCPÕs for interval of Figure 21 showing LE phorias.

 

Figures 25-27: Left Eye Fixation in Primary Position

 

Figure 25. REH and LEH vs. time for LE fixation with RE, esotropic. Pfs and PPfs waveforms.

 

 

Figure 26. LEH and LEV PPÕs during interval of Figure 25. FWIN w/o data shown.

 

 

Figure 27. Horizontal and vertical EPCPÕs for interval of Figure 25 showing RE phorias.


Figures 28-30: Both Eyes Viewing at 15¡ Left Gaze

 

Figure 28. REH and LEH vs. time during RE fixation (LE, esotropic) in left gaze (15¡). Waveforms are J, Jef, and PC.

 

 

Figure 29. REH position (pos) and velocity (vel) during interval of Figure 28.

 

 

Figure 30. REH and LEH position (pos) and RE velocity (vel) during interval of Figure 28.

 

Figures 31 and 21: Both Eyes Viewing at 15¡ Right Gaze

 

Figure 31. REH and LEH vs. time during RE fixation (LE, esotropic) in right gaze (15¡). Waveforms are J, Jef, and PC.

 

 

Figure 32. REH PP during 5-sec (7.5 -12.5) interval of Figure 31. FWIN is dashed and contains foveation-period Òcusps.Ó

 

The NFF and NAF Functions at Different Gaze Angles

 

The results of my analysis using both the Nystagmus Foveation Function (NFF) and Nystagmus Acuity Function (NAF) on the patientÕs data and conclusions drawn from that analysis were also sent to the above-described co-investigator by this author via email in early 1994, prior to the ARVO meeting. The 2 NFF and NAF analysis Figures below were sent with the 32 data Figures.

Figure 33. NFF vs. gaze angle (and at near) analysis during RE fixation.

Figure 34. NAF vs. gaze angle (and at near) analysis during RE fixation.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the analysis of the above data, the following conclusions were made by this author and transmitted (via email and verbally) to that co-investigator (my prospective coauthor) prior to, during, and after the 1994 ARVO meeting:

 

1. The horizontal nystagmus was typical congenital nystagmus (CN).

2. The CN waveforms were pendular with foveating saccades, pseudopendular with foveating saccades, jerk, jerk with extended foveation, and pseudocycloid.

3. The CN amplitudes ranged from 0.5-10¡ and frequencies, from 2-4 Hz.

4. The CN was horizontally conjugate.

5. The subject was unable to maintain good foveation (i.e., within the ±0.5¡ foveal radius)

6. The nystagmus foveation function and nystagmus acuity function calculations for the subject needed to be made using an expanded window (±2.5¡).

7. Convergence did not damp the CN appreciably but did increase the length of the foveation periods.

8. The CN waveforms exhibited good foveation periods, consistent with good visual acuity at

near.

9. The vertical nystagmus was see-saw nystagmus (SSN).

10. The SSN was pendular nystagmus with a 180¡phase difference.

11. The SSN is related to the chiasmal defect in both dogs and humans.

12. The SSN amplitudes ranged from 0.5-6¡ and frequencies, from 1.3-1.6 Hz.

13. The subject had an alternating esotropia.

14. The alternating esotropia was 9.5¡ and hypo(er)tropias were 2.5¡.

15. Both the CN and re-fixation saccades were conjugate.

16. Human achiasma precipitates both CN and SSN.

17. Conjugacy in human achiasma is distinguished from that in canines, which may be due to the

less stringent requirements on alignment of an area centralis.

 

Removal of my original observations, analyses, and conclusions and the bowdlerized copies of some of the original 32 data Figures from the above-described publication leaves little of value and nothing new. This report plus the publications it cites should put to rest any residual confusion regarding either the first identification of SSN in, or the initial ocular motility study of, the first achiasmic human; both followed my identification of SSN in, and ocular motor analysis of, canine achiasma.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to acknowledge the help of Dr. Hans van der Steen (who wrote some of the experimental paradigms), Dr. Aldo Ferraresi (who ran the experiments with the author and sent him the digitized data), and Dr. Han Collewijn (who invited this author to study this interesting patient in his Laboratory). The patient was originally seen elsewhere by Dr. P. Apkarian, who was also present during the experiments that produced this data but made no contributions this data analysis or presentation.

 

REFERENCES

1.         Dell'Osso LF. See-saw nystagmus in dogs and humans: An international, across-discipline, serendipitous collaboration. Neurology 1996; 47:1372-4.

 

2.         Dell'Osso LF, Williams RW, Jacobs JB, Erchul DM. The congenital and see-saw nystagmus in the prototypical achiasma of canines: comparison to the human achiasmatic prototype. Vision Res 1998; 38:1629-41.

 

3.         Dell'Osso LF, Daroff RB. Two additional scenarios for see-saw nystagmus: Achiasma and hemichiasma. J Neuro-Ophthalmol 1998; 18:112-3.

 

4.         Dell'Osso LF, Hogan D, Jacobs JB, Williams RW. Eye movements in canine hemichiasma: does human hemichiasma exist? Neuro-ophthalmol 1999; 22:47-58.

 

5.         Hertle RW, Dell'Osso LF, FitzGibbon EJ, Caruso RC, Butman J, Mellow SD. Clinical, radiographic, electrophysiologic findings in patients with achiasma or hypochiasma. Neuro-Ophthalmol 2002; 26:43-57.

 

 

 

Citation

 

Although the information contained in this paper and its downloading are free, please acknowledge its source by citing the paper as follows:

 

DellÕOsso, L.F.: Original Ocular Motor Analysis of the First Human with Achiasma: Documentation of Work Done in 1994. OMLAB Report #090506, 1-21, 2006. http://www.omlab.org/Teaching/teaching.html