The saccadic eye movement test involves the patient tracking targets in which planes?

• A. Horizontal only
• B. Vertical only
• C. Both horizontal and vertical planes
• D. Diagonals

Answer: (C)

Saccadic eye movement testing assesses how quickly and accurately the eyes can jump to a new target. To do this, a target is moved to different positions and you observe the rapid, ballistic eye movements as the patient follows it. Testing in both horizontal and vertical directions is essential because the horizontal and vertical saccade pathways are controlled by different neural circuits and muscles. Evaluating both planes helps reveal deficits that would be missed if only one direction were examined. Diagonal or oblique saccades can be observed, but the standard approach focuses on the two primary planes to provide a complete view of oculomotor function. Therefore, targets are tracked in both horizontal and vertical planes.