This research investigates both the causes and perceptual consequences of cortical reorganization in the human adult visual system following loss of input. This research will be aimed at conducting various psychophysical and fMRI experiments on individuals with macular degeneration (MD). MD is a condition that damages the central retina, and as a consequence, deprives the region of visual cortex that normally responds to foveal stimuli of its normal input. Using fMRI and psychophysical experiments, this research will test the hypotheses that perceptual distortions result from cortical reorganization, and that cortical reorganization arises gradually from """"""""passive"""""""" stimulation, not requiring chronic attention to a particular retina location. This is the first project we know of to ask what happens perceptually as a result of changes in visual cortex in individuals with MD. The results of this research are important for several reasons. These investigations will illuminate the mechanisms underlying adult cortical plasticity in the visual system, the perceptual consequences of that plasticity, and the neural and perceptual changes that occur in MD. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY017507-03
Application #
7385050
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02B-B (20))
Program Officer
Oberdorfer, Michael
Project Start
2006-04-01
Project End
2009-03-31
Budget Start
2008-04-01
Budget End
2009-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$50,428
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
001425594
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139
Dilks, Daniel D; Baker, Chris I; Liu, Yicong et al. (2009) ""Referred visual sensations"": rapid perceptual elongation after visual cortical deprivation. J Neurosci 29:8960-4
Dilks, Daniel D; Baker, Chris I; Peli, Eli et al. (2009) Reorganization of visual processing in macular degeneration is not specific to the ""preferred retinal locus"". J Neurosci 29:2768-73
Baker, Chris I; Dilks, Daniel D; Peli, Eli et al. (2008) Reorganization of visual processing in macular degeneration: replication and clues about the role of foveal loss. Vision Res 48:1910-9