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Autonomic control of the eye
David H McDougal1, Paul D Gamlin
1Neurobiology of Metabolic Dysfunction Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, USA Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
Comprehensive Physiology
|January 16, 2015
Summary
The autonomic nervous system regulates eye functions like pupil size and blood flow through parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves. It also influences intraocular pressure by controlling aqueous humor production and outflow.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Autonomic Nervous System
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in regulating various ocular functions.
- It comprises parasympathetic and sympathetic pathways innervating ocular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the autonomic nervous system's influence on ocular functions, including accommodation, pupil dynamics, ocular blood flow, and intraocular pressure.
- To detail the specific neural pathways involved in these autonomic regulations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on autonomic innervation of the eye.
- Analysis of the roles of parasympathetic (ciliary and pterygopalatine ganglia) and sympathetic (superior cervical ganglion) pathways.
- Examination of trigeminal sensory fiber involvement.
Main Results:
- Parasympathetic innervation controls accommodation and pupil constriction via the ciliary ganglion.
- Sympathetic innervation controls pupil dilation via the superior cervical ganglion.
- ANS regulates ocular blood flow and intraocular pressure through influences on ciliary body, iris vasculature, trabecular meshwork, and aqueous humor dynamics.
- Trigeminal sensory fibers also exert local influences on ocular tissues and ganglia.
Conclusions:
- The autonomic nervous system is a key regulator of major ocular functions.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for diagnosing and treating various eye conditions.
- Integrated autonomic and sensory neural pathways contribute to maintaining ocular homeostasis.
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