Subscribe to Newsletter
Subspecialties Neuro-ophthalmology, Basic & Translational Research

Newfound Neurons

Can you see in 3D? If so, you can thank disjunctive saccades – eye movements that result from eyes rotating mostly in the same direction by different degrees. But, despite their importance, the neural control mechanism that powers disjunctive saccades has proved elusive.

Now, however, Julie Quinet’s team at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA, has found a novel neuron population near the midbrain region: 18 saccade-vergence burst neurons, which produce a burst of activity during disjunctive saccades, but don’t fire during other types of eye movements, such as conjunctive saccades or symmetrical vergence movements. Researchers hope that the newly discovered neurons could help find modern treatments for strabismus.

Receive content, products, events as well as relevant industry updates from The Ophthalmologist and its sponsors.

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.

  1. J Quinet et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 117, 29123. PMID: 33139553. 
About the Author
Aleksandra Jones

Editor of The Ophthalmologist

Having edited several technical publications over the last decade, I crossed paths with quite a few of Texere's current team members, and I only ever heard them sing the company's praises. When an opportunity arose to join Texere, I jumped at the chance! With a background in literature, I love the company's ethos of producing genuinely engaging content, and the fact that it is so well received by our readers makes it even more rewarding.

Product Profiles

Access our product directory to see the latest products and services from our industry partners

Here
Register to The Ophthalmologist

Register to access our FREE online portfolio, request the magazine in print and manage your preferences.

You will benefit from:
  • Unlimited access to ALL articles
  • News, interviews & opinions from leading industry experts
  • Receive print (and PDF) copies of The Ophthalmologist magazine

Register

Disclaimer

The Ophthalmologist website is intended solely for the eyes of healthcare professionals. Please confirm below: