Disorders of saccades

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2007 Sep;7(5):407-16. doi: 10.1007/s11910-007-0063-x.

Abstract

Saccades are rapid eye movements that assist vision by pointing the fovea of the retina, which contains the highest density of photoreceptors, at features of interest in the visual environment. A great deal is now known about the properties and neurobiology of saccades in both health and disease states. They have consequently become a valuable diagnostic and research tool. In this review, we describe the common saccadic disorders and their causes. We also highlight recent insights into the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these disorders and discuss how these insights have helped increase our understanding of the saccadic system as a whole.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Brain Diseases / complications
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Neural Pathways / anatomy & histology
  • Neural Pathways / physiopathology*
  • Neurologic Examination / standards
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / etiology
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Oculomotor Muscles / innervation
  • Oculomotor Muscles / physiopathology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Saccades / physiology*