Engle's work, blending genetics, neuroscience and ophthalmology, and drawing on cases from all over the world, has identified six forms of strabismus that arise from different genetic errors in brainstem motor neuron development. These errors vary, but each prevents one or more muscles that move the eyeball from getting proper nerve stimulation. The resulting eye-movement disorders not only compromise vision, but are often socially isolating. Ultimately, Engle hopes to turn her discoveries into treatments.
Use the interactive below to learn more about the origins of six different eye-movement disorders. Simply mouse over the yellow parts of the illustration. Note: This interactive requires the Adobe Flash Player plug-in. (If you don't have it, you can download it here.)
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