OCULOMOTOR ABNORMALITIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA - A CRITICAL-REVIEW

Oculomotor abnormalities, particularly in smooth pursuit tracking, are one of the most widely investigated biological markers of schizophren ia. However, despite the wealth of published data, important questions concerning the exact nature of these abnormalities remain unanswered. Many of the studies use unreliable methodology, and few attempts have been made to interpret the observed oculomotor dysfunction in terms o f current understanding of eye movement physiology. Also, the potentia l effects of antipsychotic medication have been poorly addressed. Rece nt research, using more reliable measurement techniques and novel sacc adic paradigms are producing important results and may provide a more productive framework for future studies of oculomotor abnormalities in schizophrenia.