Lifespan Variabilities in Electrooculography Parameters: Role of Sex-Linked Hormonal Profiles and Neural Maturation

Abstract

Purpose: Electrooculography (EOG) serves as a vital non-invasive technique for neuro-ophthalmological diagnostics and human-computer interface (HCI) development, yet its parameters may vary with demographic and physiological factors.

Methods: This prospective study enrolled 50 healthy participants, stratified by age into three groups: child/adolescent (12–22 years, n=20), adult (23–40 years, n=24), and a pilot elderly group (≥40 years, n=6). EOG signals were recorded using a BIOPAC MP36 system, adhering to protocols informed by International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standards for electro-oculography. Standardized tasks assessed saccadic latency, blink dynamics, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in horizontal and vertical planes. In adult females (n=12), menstrual cycle phase was determined via serum progesterone (≥3 ng/mL for luteal) and estradiol assays, synchronized with testing.

Results: Adolescents exhibited significantly higher saccadic latency variability (210±30 ms; p=0.03 versus adults) and 40% lower vertical SNR, reflecting immature oculomotor control. Adult women in the luteal phase showed an 18% reduction in horizontal SNR (p=0.04), with estradiol levels inversely correlating with fixation duration (Spearman ρ=−0.58, p<0.05). Elderly participants demonstrated prolonged saccadic latency (p_adj=0.01) and 30% reduced blink amplitude compared to adults, indicating age-related declines in EOG signal quality.

Conclusions: Age, gender, and menstrual cycle-related hormonal fluctuations systematically modulate key EOG parameters. These findings underscore the need for demographic-specific normative data in clinical electrophysiology and adaptive HCI applications, aligning with ISCEV recommendations for standardized interpretation.