Saccade jumps
The dot jumps to a new random spot about every second – move your eyes to it quickly and precisely.
Saccades are the rapid jumps your eyes make when you shift your gaze from one point to another: when you read, scan a room or glance from the road to the mirror. They are among the fastest movements the human body can make. In this exercise the dot disappears and instantly reappears at a new random position on the screen about once a second. Your task is to move your eyes to it as quickly and accurately as possible, keeping your head still.
This is very different from the gliding tracking exercises such as left-right tracking. Here there is no smooth movement to follow; instead, your eyes practise landing precisely on a new target, stopping there and waiting for the next jump. Because the positions are random, you cannot anticipate them, which keeps your attention sharp.
Saccade practice is used by eye care professionals as part of vision therapy for some reading and eye-movement problems, but always within a personalised programme. On its own, this exercise is best viewed as an attention and coordination drill and a change from fixed staring. It will not correct refractive errors. If you notice that you keep losing your place when reading, read about reading difficulties and vision and consider an eye examination.
How to do it
- Sit at your usual screen distance and keep your head still.
- Choose the duration and press start.
- Each time the dot appears in a new place, move your eyes to it as quickly as you can.
- Land precisely on the dot and hold your gaze there until it jumps again.
- Do not try to guess the next position – just react.
- Blink when the reminder appears and rest your eyes when the timer ends.
What it helps with
- Practises fast, accurate gaze shifts
- Keeps attention alert because positions are random
- Complements smooth tracking exercises
- A brisk, energising break from screen work
Tips
- Accuracy matters more than speed – aim to land right on the dot.
- Keep sessions short; one minute is enough.
- Follow with a relaxing exercise like palming.
Caution: Stop if you get a headache, dizziness, eye pain or double vision. Sudden flashing lights or new floaters during any activity need urgent eye care. People with photosensitive epilepsy should seek medical advice before using rapidly changing screen content.
Frequently asked questions
What is a saccade?
A saccade is a quick jump of the eyes from one point to another. We make several of them every second when reading or looking around.
Is this exercise used in vision therapy?
Saccade drills are part of some vision therapy programmes, but therapy is tailored and supervised by a professional. This exercise is a general break and attention drill.
Why do I sometimes overshoot the dot?
Small overshoots and corrections are normal. Aim for accuracy and they usually become less frequent.
Can it help with reading?
There is no strong evidence that general saccade exercises improve reading. Persistent reading problems need a proper assessment.