Vertical memory-based disconjugate learning for downward saccades at a viewing distance of 70 cm: relation to horizontal vergence and to vertical phoria

The goal of this study was to examine vertical disconjugate learning based on memorization of vertical disparity at a viewing distance of 70 cm; such a distance is common in many visual ergonomic conditions, including car driving. For a period of 15 min, eight subjects made downward saccades to a memorized target. The target was rendered disparate with the use of a magnifier placed in front of one eye. Learning occurred in only four of the subjects: saccades became disconjugate and the disconjugacy was retained when the target was not disparate. These observations extend a prior study dealing with a longer distance (I m) and indicate that such learning is subject dependent for both viewing distances. Importantly, the present study shows, for the first time, that vertical disconjugate learning is related to two other phenomena: (a) the horizontal vergence present during vertical saccades and (b) the degree of vertical phoria normal subjects exhibit.