Analysis of Neural Correlates of Saccadic Eye Movements

In a concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) and eye-tracking study, we explore the specific neural responses associated with saccadic eye movements. We hypothesise that there is a distinct saccade-related neural response that occurs well before a physical saccade and that this response is different for free, natural saccades versus forced saccades. Our results show a distinct and measurable brain response approximately 200 ms before a physical saccade actually occurs. This response is distinctly different for free saccades versus forced saccades.

Our results open up possibilities of predicting saccades based on neural data. This is of particular relevance for creating effective gaze guidance mechanisms within a virtual reality (VR) environment and for creating faster brain computer interfaces (BCI).