pursuit
Smooth, voluntary eye movements used to track slowly moving objects and maintain fixation on them.
Full Definition
Pursuit eye movements, also called smooth pursuit, are slow tracking movements that allow the eyes to follow moving targets smoothly. These movements are initiated voluntarily but become reflexive once a target is acquired. Pursuit movements are mediated by cortical areas including the middle temporal area and frontal eye fields, with pontine nuclei serving as relay stations. Impaired pursuit can indicate neurological disease affecting these pathways and is commonly tested in neuro-ophthalmological examinations using targets moved horizontally and vertically.
Usage
Usage note: Often used interchangeably with 'smooth pursuit' but 'pursuit' alone is acceptable in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "Horizontal pursuit movements were intact, but vertical pursuit showed significant saccadic intrusions." — Oculomotor examination
- "The patient demonstrated asymmetric pursuit with rightward tracking being more impaired than leftward." — Neurological assessment