Alterations of saccadic eye movements in myotonic dystrophy.

Saccadic eye movements were examined by means of infrared reflection oculography in 8 patients having myotonic dystrophy and in 65 control subjects. In 7 patients typical alterations of the saccades could be observed. In comparison with the normal controls the saccades were significantly hypometric, of longer duration, of lower peak velocity, and showed a typical pattern of velocity and acceleration.