Blickstabilisering

Blickstabilisering is a term used in neurology and ophthalmology to describe the mechanisms by which visual perception remains stable when the head or body moves. It encompasses reflexive eye movements and neural processes that counteract motion so that objects in the visual field appear stationary.

Key mechanisms include the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which produces eye movements opposite to head motion; the optokinetic reflex, driven by movement of the visual scene; and cerebellar processing that adjusts the gain of the VOR to maintain stable gaze. Saccades and smooth pursuit can contribute in dynamic situations, and proprioceptive inputs from the neck and internal efference copies also influence gaze stabilization.

Impairment of gaze stabilization is common in disorders of the vestibular system, cerebellum, or brainstem and can cause oscillopsia and reduced dynamic visual acuity. Diagnostic workup may include bedside tests such as the head impulse test, assessment for nystagmus, and eye-tracking measurements to quantify VOR gain. Treatment often involves vestibular rehabilitation therapy focusing on gaze stabilization exercises, such as VOR x1 and VOR x2, to promote adaptation and compensation.

Applications of gaze stabilization extend to clinical rehabilitation, aviation and driving training, and human-computer interaction, including virtual reality systems where stabilizing the perceived image is important for comfort and performance. The concept is also relevant in research on sensory integration and motor control, helping to understand how the nervous system maintains stable vision during everyday movement.