ABSTRACT

Plasticity in various oculomotor control systems is suggested as the basis for perceptual adaptation. A system of egocentric (head centered) angular coordinates patterned after Müller's K-system is proposed as the basis for the encoding of spatial orientation and distance in terms of the parameters of the oculomotor system responsible for the control of disjunctive and conjugate eye movements and their steady states.

Data are reported showing that adaptation to optical tilt produces a shift in apparent vertical and horizontal target orientation as well as in the direction of voluntary (self-directed) saccades, and in the direction of the vestibular ocular response (VOR). The VOR control system is suggested as underlying the adaptation of apparent egocentric target orientation.