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10 May, 2023

The Science of Looking: The Use of Eye Tracking in Children Cognitive Science Research

Eye tracking technology has found numerous applications in fields such as marketing, gaming, and psychology. However, it has also proven to be a valuable tool in diagnosing diseases and disabilities in infants and children. By monitoring eye movements and gaze patterns, eye tracking technology can provide valuable insights into a child’s visual and cognitive development, enabling early intervention and treatments that result in better outcomes.

In this blog post, we will explore the use of eye tracking technology in diagnosing diseases and disabilities in infants and children, and how Smart Eye’s naturalistic approach makes it a natural choice for these types of research.

Diagnosing Diseases and Disabilities

Eye tracking technology has been used to diagnose various diseases and disabilities in infants and children, including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. For example, researchers have found that infants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have different gaze patterns than typically developing infants (Source: Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders). By measuring the duration and frequency of fixations on social stimuli, researchers can identify infants at risk of developing ASD and provide early intervention.

Eye tracking can also be used to diagnose cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects movement and posture. By measuring the smoothness and accuracy of eye movements, researchers can identify subtle motor impairments that may not be evident in traditional assessments.

Moreover, eye trackers can be used to diagnose vision impairments, such as amblyopia or “lazy eye.” By measuring the fixation disparity, researchers can identify the eye that is not working properly and provide early intervention to improve visual acuity. (Source: National Library of Medicine

Smart Eye’s Naturalistic Approach

Eye tracking has traditionally required equipment to be worn on the head, which can be uncomfortable or intimidating for infants and young children. Smart Eye’s naturalistic approach, however, allows researchers to track eye movements using only a camera, making it less intrusive and more naturalistic. Our products can also be used in a variety of environments, including homes and schools, enabling researchers to gather data in real-world settings. This naturalistic approach is particularly valuable in diagnosing diseases and disabilities in infants and children, as it allows researchers to study their behavior and development in a familiar environment.

Early Intervention and Better Outcomes

Early intervention is critical in treating diseases and disabilities in infants and children. By using eye tracking technology to diagnose these conditions at an early age, researchers can provide early intervention and treatments that result in better outcomes. For example, early intervention for amblyopia can improve visual acuity and prevent permanent vision loss.

Moreover, eye tracking can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and interventions, allowing researchers to refine their approaches and improve outcomes for future patients.

The Bottom Line

Eye tracking technology has proven to be a valuable tool in diagnosing diseases and disabilities in infants and children, enabling early intervention and treatments that result in better outcomes. Smart Eye’s naturalistic approach makes it a natural choice for these types of research, as it allows researchers to track eye movements using only a camera and study behavior in a familiar environment. With continued research and development, eye tracking technology has the potential to improve the lives of countless children and families.

Are you conducting neurological research on young participants? Contact us today to learn more about our eye trackers and schedule a demo! 

Written by Ashley McManus
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