The Correlation between Primitive Reflexes and Saccadic Eye Movements in 5th Grade Children with Teacher-Reported Reading Problems

Optometry & Vision Development ABSTRACT Background: The association between the primitive reflexes of vestibular origin and the developmental control of ocular movements has been of interest to many. The objective of the present study was to determine the association, if any, between any remaining primitive reflexes and saccadic eye movements in 5th grade children with teacherreported reading problems. Method: The primitive reflexes included: the Moro Reflex (MR), Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR), and Symmetrical Neck Tonic Reflex (STNR). Nonpredictable, horizontal saccadic eye movements were tested objectively, and the saccadic ratio (number of tracking saccades to target displacements) and saccadic gain (initial saccade amplitude to target amplitude) were calculated. In addition, DEM scores and completion times were assessed. The saccadic parameters were compared to the primitive reflex scores in 60 children (28 without reading problems and 32 with reading problems) in the fifth grade. Of the 60 subjects, 34 were females (14 with reading problems) and 26 were males (18 with reading problems). Results: The results suggested that selected residual primitive reflexes were correlated with reduced saccadic accuracy and impaired reading ability. In addition, the laboratory-based saccadic testing provided an objective and confirmatory correlate to the presence of abnormal primitive reflexes. Furthermore, the results provided insight into the child’s gross and fine motor development as related to vision, with possible therapeutic ramifications. Conclusion: There were significant associations between the saccadic eye movement parameters and the primitive reflexes, especially as related to SR and TLR, in those children with reading problems.