The role of eye movements in manual interception: A mini-review

When we catch a moving object in mid-flight, our eyes and hands are directed toward the object. Yet, the functional role of eye movements in guiding interceptive hand movements is not yet well understood. This review synthesizes emergent views on the importance of eye movements during manual interception with an emphasis on laboratory studies published since 2015. We discuss the role of eye movements in forming visual predictions about a moving object, and for enhancing the accuracy of interceptive hand movements through feedforward (extraretinal) and feedback (retinal) signals. We conclude by proposing a framework that defines the role of human eye movements for manual interception accuracy as a function of visual certainty and object motion predictability.

Automated summary

Eye movements play a crucial role in manual interception by forming visual predictions about moving objects and enhancing the accuracy of interceptive hand movements. A proposed framework defines the role of human eye movements in manual interception accuracy as a function of visual certainty and object motion predictability.