The effect of ageing on catch-up saccades during horizontal smooth pursuit eye movement

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated a significant effect of ageing on catch-up sac-cades during horizontal smooth pursuit eye movement. In this study, the frequencies of initiation saccades and catch-up saccades were measured using infrared oculography in 75 normal subjects ranging from 20 to 70 years of age. The number of initiation saccades was found not to change significantly with age during smooth pursuit. However, the frequency of catch-up saccades increased significantly with age in right pursuit. These age related changes in catch-up saccades should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of elderly patients with disorders of eye movements.

Key Words:

• ageing
• catch-up saccades
• initiation saccades
• smooth pursuit