Saccade
Saccade
Saccade (/səˈkɑːd/; from French, meaning "a jerk") is a quick, simultaneous movement 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 Émile Javal in the 19th century.
Definition
In ophthalmology, a saccade is a fast movement of an eye, head or other part of the body or of a device. It can also be a fast shift in frequency of an emitted signal or other quick change. Saccades are quick, simultaneous movements of both eyes in the same direction. Controlled by the brain, saccades allow the eyes to rapidly "jump" from one place to another, rather than smoothly scanning.
Related Terms
- Microsaccade: A microsaccade is a very small, involuntary saccade that occurs during attempted visual fixation.
- Fixation (visual): Fixation is the maintaining of the visual gaze on a single location.
- Smooth Pursuit: Smooth pursuit eye movements allow the eyes to closely follow a moving object.
- Optokinetic Reflex: This is a combination of a saccade and smooth pursuit movement.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Saccade
- Wikipedia's article - Saccade
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