macroscaccades

Macroscaccades are a type of eye movement that are significantly larger than typical saccades. Saccades are rapid, ballistic movements of the eyes that allow us to shift our gaze from one point of interest to another. While most saccades are small, covering a few degrees of visual angle, macroscaccades can span much larger distances, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees. These movements are thought to be used for orienting the head and eyes towards a salient stimulus, such as a sudden flash of light or a loud noise, or to quickly scan a large visual scene. The neural mechanisms underlying macroscaccades are believed to involve overlapping but distinct pathways from those controlling smaller saccades, potentially involving more widespread cortical and subcortical activation. Research into macroscaccades is important for understanding visual attention, spatial awareness, and the control of eye and head movements. They are particularly relevant in the study of certain neurological conditions where eye movement control may be impaired.