Saccades
Saccades
Saccades (/səˈkɑːdz/; from French, meaning "jerk") are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes between two or more phases of fixation in the same direction.
Etymology
The term "saccade" comes from the French word for "jerk". It was first used in this context by the French ophthalmologist Louis Émile Javal in the 19th century, who used a mirror and his own observations to study eye movement during reading.
Function
In the context of eye motion, saccades are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction. Controlled by the Frontal eye fields (FEF), the main function of saccades is to direct the fovea to a point in the visual field where detailed vision is required.
Types of Saccades
There are several types of saccades, including:
- Voluntary Saccades: These are saccades made consciously and intentionally. They are often used when scanning a visual scene.
- Reflexive Saccades: These are saccades made in response to a sudden peripheral stimulus. They are often used to redirect attention to a new stimulus.
- Predictive Saccades: These are saccades made in anticipation of a predictable event. They are often used when tracking a moving object.
- Express Saccades: These are particularly fast saccades that appear to bypass the normal decision-making process used in other types of saccades.
Related Terms
- Microsaccades: These are tiny, involuntary saccades that occur during attempted fixation.
- Smooth Pursuit: This is a type of eye movement that allows the eyes to closely follow a moving object.
- Fixation (visual): This is the maintaining of the visual gaze on a single location.
See Also
References
External Links
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saccades
- Wikipedia's article - Saccades
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