Saccadic eye movement refers to the rapid, involuntary movements of the eyes as they shift from one fixation point to another. These rapid eye movements are essential for visual perception and occur several times per second, although the exact speed and frequency can vary depending on the individual and task.
During saccades, the eyes quickly jump from one target to another, allowing us to quickly and effortlessly scan our environment and focus on objects or points of interest. These movements are characterized by their ballistic nature, as they are highly precise and occur in a single, swift motion. The duration of a saccade typically lasts between 20 to 200 milliseconds.
Saccades play a crucial role in the visual system's ability to gather information and process visual stimuli. They allow the brain to capture a clear image of a specific point of interest by aligning the high-resolution region of the eyes, called the fovea, with the desired target. This ensures that the object is projected onto the retinal area that provides the sharpest and most detailed vision.
Furthermore, saccadic eye movements aid in peripheral vision, enabling us to effortlessly explore the visual scene and gather information from our surroundings. These movements are controlled by a complex network of neural circuits, with signals originating from the brainstem and intricately coordinating the muscles responsible for eye movement.
Overall, saccadic eye movements are a fundamental mechanism of the visual system, facilitating rapid scanning, attentional shifts, and the integration of visual information to form a coherent and detailed perception of the world around us.
