How Binocular Visual Performance Is Changed When One Eye Has Lower Vision: Characterization of Inhibitory Binocular Interactions
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How Binocular Visual Performance Is Changed When One Eye Has Lower Vision: Characterization Of Inhibitory Binocular Interactions by Kari Smith Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Dalhousie University Halifax, Nova Scotia December 2013 © Copyright by Kari Smith, 2013 DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this to the individuals in my life who have supported me through this journey. My family: Mom, Dad, Kim, Nana, and Papa for many years of encouragement, I am proud to finally have an answer to the never-ending question “when will you be finished school”? To Greg, thank you for being patient with me while spending hours in front of “your” computer and always keeping me positive. To my friends near and far, it is reassuring to know that I will always be able to count on you regardless of circumstances. Thank you Dr. Tremblay for your dedication, guidance, and knowledge on this project. I truly appreciate your compassion for my success in the midst of changing cities and starting a career. Also, to Joan Parkinson and all members of the IWK staff and classmates, I have made memories that will last forever with you all. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS List Of Tables .......................................................................................................... vii List Of Figures ........................................................................................................ viii Abstract ...................................................................................................................... x List Of Abbreviations And Symbols Used ................................................................ xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 1 1.1 Background .............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Purpose Of The Study .............................................................................. 3 1.3 Hypothesis And Research Questions ....................................................... 3 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................. 4 2.1 The Visual Pathway ................................................................................. 4 2.2 Cellular Structure Of The LGN And Visual Cortex ................................ 5 2.3 Binocularity .............................................................................................. 7 2.4 Definitions Of Binocular Interaction ..................................................... 10 2.4.1 Probability Summation .............................................................. 11 2.4.2 Neural Summation ..................................................................... 11 2.4.3 Signal To Noise Ratio ................................................................ 12 2.5 Binocular Brightness Summation And Fechner’s Paradox ................... 12 2.6 Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs) .......................................................... 14 2.7 VEPs And Binocular Vision .................................................................. 16 2.7.1 Size Of Pattern Elements ........................................................... 17 2.7.2 Contrast ...................................................................................... 18 2.7.3 Retinal Location Of Stimulus .................................................... 19 2.7.4 Non Structured Stimulus ............................................................ 21 2.8 Clinical Considerations Of Fechner’s Paradox ...................................... 21 2.9 The Pulfrich Effect ................................................................................. 22 2.9.1 Literature Review ....................................................................... 23 2.9.2 Clinical Considerations Of The Pulfrich Effect ......................... 26 iii CHAPTER 3: METHODS .......................................................................................... 28 3.1 Research Design ..................................................................................... 28 3.2 The Sample ............................................................................................ 28 3.2.1 Study Population .............................................................. 28 3.2.2 Inclusion And Exclusion Criteria ............................................... 28 3.2.3 Sample Size Determination ........................................................ 29 3.2.4 Recruitment Of Participants ....................................................... 30 3.2.5 Risk And Benefit Analysis ......................................................... 30 3.2.6 Ethical Considerations ............................................................... 31 3.3 Experimental Procedures ........................................................................ 31 3.3.1 General Protocol ........................................................................ 31 3.3.2 Orthoptic Assessment ................................................................ 31 3.3.3 Electrode Placement ................................................................... 31 3.3.4 Stimulus Presentation ................................................................. 32 3.3.4.1 Check Size ................................................................. 32 3.3.4.2 Contrast ...................................................................... 33 3.3.4.3 Location ..................................................................... 33 3.3.4.4 Ganzfeld ..................................................................... 34 3.4 Data Collection ....................................................................................... 34 3.4.1 Recordings ................................................................................. 34 3.4.2 Theoretical Graph Of Summation Ratio As A Function Of ND Filters ......................................................................................... 35 3.4.3 Statistical Treatment .................................................................. 36 3.5 Computerized Pulfrich Stimulus ............................................................. 37 3.5.1 Principles .................................................................................... 37 3.5.2 Computerized Parameters .......................................................... 38 3.5.3 Threshold Determination ........................................................... 40 3.5.4 Statistical Treatment ................................................................. 40 iv CHAPTER 4: RESULTS ...................................................................................... 41 4.1 Effect Of Check Size On Binocular Interactions .................................... 41 4.1.1 Between Filter Analysis ............................................................ 41 4.1.2 Maximal Binocular Interactions ............................................... 44 4.1.3 Area Under The Curve .............................................................. 45 4.2 Effect Of VEP Stimulus Location On Binocular Interactions ................ 46 4.2.1 Between Filter Analysis ............................................................ 46 4.2.2 Maximal Binocular Interactions ............................................... 49 4.2.3 Area Under The Curve .............................................................. 50 4.3 Effect Of Multi Focal VEP Stimulus Location On Binocular Interactions ............................................................................................. 51 4.3.1 Between Filter Analysis ............................................................ 51 4.3.2 Maximal Binocular Interactions ............................................... 54 4.3.3 Area Under The Curve .............................................................. 55 4.4 Effect Of Ganzfeld Stimulus On Binocular Interactions ........................ 56 4.4.1 Between Filter Analysis ............................................................ 56 4.4.2 Maximal Binocular Interactions ............................................... 57 4.4.3 Area Under the Curve ............................................................... 58 4.5 Effect Of Contrast On Binocular Interactions ........................................ 59 4.5.1 Between Filter Analysis ............................................................ 59 4.5.2 Maximal Binocular Interactions ............................................... 62 4.5.3 Area Under the Curve ............................................................... 63 4.6 Pulfrich Effect ........................................................................................ 64 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION ................................................................................ 66 5.1 Components Of A VEP Waveform ........................................................ 66 5.2 Effect Of ND Filter on the SR ............................................................... 66 5.3 Effect Of Stimulus Parameters ............................................................... 67 5.3.1 Check Size ................................................................................ 68 5.3.2 VEPs With Central And Peripheral Stimulation ....................... 69 5.3.3 mfVEP Ring Stimulation .......................................................... 70 5.3.4 Ganzfeld Stimulation ................................................................ 71 v 5.3.5 Contrast ....................................................................................