Smooth pursuit eye movements and optokinetic nystagmus

Dev Ophthalmol. 2007:40:76-89. doi: 10.1159/000100350.

Abstract

Smooth pursuit eye movements are used to track small moving visual objects and depend on an intact fovea. Optokinetic nystagmus is the oculomotor response to large moving visual fields. In addition, the ocular following response is considered, which reflects short latency, involuntary eye movements to large moving visual fields. This chapter will consider the general characteristics and the anatomical and physiological basis of these eye movements. It will conclude with disorders, particularly those seen in clinical investigations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Nystagmus, Optokinetic / physiology*
  • Oculomotor Muscles / physiology
  • Pursuit, Smooth / physiology*
  • Visual Cortex / physiology