Smooth Pursuit

• Smooth Pursuit - Area testing:

  • Ability to track moving targets - allows us to follow a moving object dependent on cerebellar function and foveal vision (voluntary control)
• Smooth Pursuit - Instructions:

  • In sitting Ask patient to keep head still
  • Follow finger with eyes
  • Follow a path of a double capital H or separately look side to side horizontally and up and down
  • Move finger relatively quickly
  • *On questioning, patient may report: blurred or unstable vision, dizziness, nausea
• Smooth Pursuit - Outcome:

  • Both eyes should move smoothly and together
  • Common in ageing, alcohol, drugs and fatigue - usually bilateral issue, if unilateral almost certainly pathology