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Refractive state, contrast sensitivity, and resolution in the freshwater turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, determined by tectal visual-evoked potentials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2009

D. P. M. Northmore  and
A. M. Granda
D. P. M. Northmore
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, and School of Life Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark
A. M. Granda
Affiliation:
Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, and School of Life Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark
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Abstract

Visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded from the surface of the optic tectum of the freshwater turtle, Pseudemys scripta elegans, in response to phase reversal of square-wave gratings of different spatial frequency and contrast. The refractive state of a group of 12 turtles in air was assessed from VEPs by placing trial lenses in front of the eye. The group mean refraction did not differ significantly from emmetropia, as compared to 4.8 diopters of hyperopia when refracted retinoscopically. The difference was explained by the retinoscopic reflex originating from the interface between vitreous humor and retina. Peak VEP amplitude was approximately linear with log grating contrast; extrapolation to zero VEP amplitude yielded contrast thresholds as low as 1%. High spatial-frequency cutoffs ranged from 4.4–9.9 cycle/deg in different animals, the highest values corresponding to the intercone spacing in the area centralis and to behavioral measures of acuity in a related species.

Keywords

TurtleOptic tectumVEPsVisual acuity
Type
Research Articles
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 7 , Issue 6 , December 1991 , pp. 619 - 625
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1991

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