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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
10:12
Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform
Published on: May 23, 2013
Modulation of vergence during the vestibulo-ocular reflex
Elham Khojasteh1, Henrietta L Galiana
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) in darkness shows significant eye vergence, not just conjugate movement. This suggests the vestibular system contributes to vergence, implying a shared control for eye movements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Vestibular System
Background:
- The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes gaze during head movements.
- VOR is typically assumed to be purely conjugate (version), with no vergence.
- Current VOR measurement techniques often ignore or exclude vergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of vergence during the VOR in darkness.
- To determine if head velocity influences vergence during the VOR.
- To explore the implications of vergence during VOR for a shared central controller.
Main Methods:
- Binocular eye movement recordings were performed.
- Angular VOR was elicited in darkness.
- Vergence and version components of eye movements were analyzed in relation to head velocity.
Main Results:
- A significant vergence component was observed during the VOR in normal subjects.
- The magnitude of vergence during VOR was modulated by head velocity.
- This modulation suggests a direct vestibular influence on vergence.
Conclusions:
- The VOR is not purely conjugate and includes a vergence component.
- Vestibular signals appear to contribute to vergence control.
- A shared central neural controller likely governs both version and vergence.
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