Theta Oscillations, Oculomotor Processing, and Neural Synchronization: A Review

Theta oscillations, neural activity within the 4–8 Hz range, are implicated in a wide range of cognitive functions, including oculomotor and sensory processing, attention, memory, and motor planning and execution across diverse brain regions. Saccadic eye movements (SEMs), which are integral to visual perception and cognition, occur within a similar frequency range. This review explores how theta oscillations contribute to oculomotor and cognitive processing, emphasizing their role in coordinated motor and sensory functions. We synthesize foundational and contemporary studies into a working model describing neural synchronization across cognitive networks. We discuss the complex interplay between theta oscillations, SEMs, and cognition, summarizing the current state of our knowledge.