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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Investigating the Deployment of Visual Attention Before Accurate and Averaging Saccades via Eye Tracking and Assessment of Visual Sensitivity

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Working memory load modulates microsaccadic rate.

Mario Dalmaso¹, Luigi Castelli², Pietro Scatturin³

¹Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italymario.dalmaso@unipd.ithttp://colab.psy.unipd.it/mario-dalmaso/.

Journal of Vision

|March 10, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Higher working memory load reduces microsaccade rate, suggesting these involuntary eye movements are influenced by cognitive processes. This study explored the link between memory demands and microsaccade dynamics.

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Neuroscience
Ophthalmology
Psychology

Background:

Microsaccades are small, unconscious eye movements during visual fixation.
Their precise function is debated, but links to cognitive processes are emerging.
Working memory's influence on microsaccade dynamics remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if varying working memory load affects microsaccade rate.
To determine if cognitive load modulates microsaccade dynamics during visual fixation.

Main Methods:

Two experiments were conducted involving participants memorizing sequences of digits.
Experiment 1 manipulated memory load by sequence length (2 vs. 5 digits).
Experiment 2 used identical visual stimuli but varied the task (memorizing color vs. digits) to alter cognitive load.

Main Results:

A significantly lower microsaccadic rate was observed under high working memory load conditions compared to low load in both experiments.
This reduction occurred despite identical visual stimuli in Experiment 2's conditions.

Conclusions:

Working memory engagement demonstrably impacts microsaccade rate.
Findings support the hypothesis that microsaccade generation is susceptible to top-down cognitive control.