Augenstabilisierung

Augenstabilisierung refers to the mechanisms that maintain a stable visual field despite head and body movements. This process is crucial for clear vision, allowing us to perceive a steady world rather than a blur of motion. The primary system responsible for this is the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).

The VOR operates by detecting head movements using the vestibular system in the inner ear. When the head turns in one direction, the VOR triggers compensatory eye movements in the opposite direction. This ensures that the image on the retina remains relatively stationary, even as the observer moves. For example, if you turn your head to the left, your eyes will automatically move to the right by an equal amount.

Beyond the VOR, other systems contribute to stabilization. Saccadic eye movements, which are rapid, ballistic shifts of the eyes, help to re-orient the gaze quickly. Smooth pursuit eye movements allow us to track moving objects, and during this tracking, the brain also subtly adjusts eye position to minimize perceived motion. Furthermore, the brain integrates visual and proprioceptive information to refine eye movements and maintain a stable visual experience. Disruptions to these stabilization systems can lead to symptoms like oscillopsia, where the visual world appears to jiggle or bounce.