Research

EMERG combines experimental vision science, eye tracking and psychophysics to investigate how eye movements interact with visual perception and function. Our research ranges from fundamental questions about vision in infantile nystagmus and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Huntington’s disease. We continue to develop new methods for measuring eye movements and visual function.

Understanding vision in infantile nystagmus (Cardiff Research Unit for Nystagmus)

One major focus of our research is achieving a better understanding of visual function in infantile nystagmus. We investigate the relationship between involuntary eye movements and aspects of vision, including visual acuity, visual performance and refractive status. Our work has challenged the assumption that the reduced visual acuity associated with infantile nystagmus is simply a consequence of image motion caused by the eyes, pointing towards more complex underlying perceptual mechanisms.

We also investigate nystagmus in populations with additional visual and developmental characteristics, including people with Down's syndrome, to better understand the factors contributing to differences in visual function.

Biomarkers for Huntington’s disease

As many brain centres are involved in controlling the oculomotor system, neurodegenerative damage anywhere in the brain can result in measurable changes in eye movements that can be quantified. This can provide valuable information concerning early detection of the onset of these changes and the impact of therapeutic interventions even before conventional clinical symptoms become apparent. We are currently engaged in a study of patients in collaboration with the Huntington’s Disease Centre in Wales at Cardiff.

Measuring and understanding eye movements

We use high-resolution eye tracking to characterise eye movement behaviour and investigate how the eyes track and respond to visual information. For example, this includes research into smooth pursuit, as well as the development of experimental paradigms designed to obtain reliable measurements of different types of eye movements across different participant groups.

A key part of this work is improving how eye-movement data are collected, calibrated, analysed and reported. We develop computational approaches for calibrating and analysing complex eye-movement recordings and contribute to wider efforts to improve the consistency and reproducibility of eye-tracking research.

Developing new ways to measure visual function

Many conventional tests of vision assume that a person can maintain steady fixation. This presents a particular challenge for people with nystagmus and other forms of unstable gaze. We develop eye-tracking-based methods that allow visual stimuli to respond dynamically to an individual's eye movements.

Our work on gaze-contingent perimetry, for example, compensates for eye movements during visual-field testing, enabling stimuli to remain associated with their intended retinal location. This creates opportunities for more precise assessment of visual function in people for whom conventional approaches may be less suitable.

Translating eye-movement research into clinical practice

We explore how objective eye-movement recording can contribute to clinical investigation and assessment. Eye movements provide a rich, quantitative measure of visual and neurological function, with potential applications extending beyond nystagmus.

Through collaboration with clinicians and other researchers, we work to bridge the gap between experimental eye-tracking research and clinically useful approaches. Our research has also contributed to professional guidance and wider discussion about the role of eye-movement recording in ophthalmic practice.