Dynamic asymmetries in disparity convergence eye movements

Vergence eye movements have traditionally been considered the product of a single neural control center and are usually studied by combining the movements of each eye into a single ‘vergence’ response. In the present experiment, disparity-driven eye movements were produced by symmetrical step stimuli, and the dynamic properties of each eye movement were analyzed separately. Although the final positions of the two eyes were symmetrical, large dynamic asymmetries often occurred. The timing between the two eyes showed fair synchrony as they attained maximum velocity at approximately the same time. Since the final static positions were symmetrical, asymmetries occurring during the initial dynamic component must necessarily be compensated by offsetting asymmetries in the latter portion of the response.