SACCADIC EYE-MOVEMENT PARAMETERS IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

The present study obtained saccadic eye movements from 122 normal subjects to establish normative values and test-retest reliability data, using a recently developed electrooculographic recording and analysis system. Factors that might affect saccade values, such as age, sex, and time of day when testing, were also assessed. Mean (+/- S.D.) peak velocity values over saccade angles of 15-degrees, 25-degrees and 35-degrees were in agreement with those previously reported. Repeat testing in 11 subjects on 4 separate occasions showed that saccade measurements were consistent across tests. Several saccade parameters were significantly negatively associated with age for 35-degrees saccades. The association between age and peak velocity was examined in greater detail over a range of saccade angles, and the greatest effect was observed for saccades of greater-than-or-equal-to 35-degrees. Diurnal changes in performance were observed, with a tendency for slightly slower values in the early afternoon. There were no significant differences between males and females.