Fixation (visual)

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Fixation (visual) is a term used in visual perception and optometry that refers to an individual's ability to direct the eyes toward a focal point and maintain this focus for a sustained period of time. This process is crucial for tasks such as reading, driving, and any activity that requires concentrated visual attention.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Visual fixation is controlled by a network of brain areas, including the frontal eye fields, parietal cortex, and superior colliculus. These areas work together to control the eye movements necessary for fixation. The fovea, a small pit in the center of the retina, is the primary area of the eye used for fixation due to its high concentration of cone cells, which are responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

Types of Fixation[edit | edit source]

There are two main types of visual fixation: pursuit movements and saccadic movements. Pursuit movements are smooth tracking movements that allow the eyes to follow a moving object. Saccadic movements are rapid, jerky movements that allow the eyes to quickly shift focus from one point to another.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in visual fixation can be indicative of various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Assessment of visual fixation is often included in neurological examinations and can provide valuable information about an individual's neurological health.

File:Eye movement in reading.svg
Eye movements during reading. Fixations are represented by circles.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Fixation (visual)

PubMed
Clinical trials
UpToDate

AI tools[edit source]

Generative AI tools and links to learn more on Fixation (visual): ChatGPT - Bing Chat - Google Gemini. (caution advised).


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD