Understanding how the brain controls eye movements in 3D space
Official title: Neurophysiology of Disjunctive Saccades
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11096016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains help our eyes work together when we look at things that are close or far away, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with vision problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $847,967 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY035921-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals experiencing difficulties with eye movements or depth perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable eye movement patterns and no visual impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind eye movements, specifically focusing on how the brain coordinates movements of both eyes when shifting gaze between targets at different distances and directions. By examining the neural processes involved in saccades and vergence eye movements, the study aims to clarify longstanding debates in oculomotor research. Patients may benefit from insights gained about eye movement control, which could lead to improved treatments for conditions affecting vision and eye coordination.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of eye movement disorders and lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with vision problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in oculomotor control has shown promising results, but this specific approach to understanding the interaction between saccades and vergence is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walton, Mark M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Walton, Mark M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.