The Extraocular Muscles
Introduction The extraocular muscles (EOM) are a complex group of skeletal muscles located within the bony orbit. They function in a highly coordinated manner to perform conjugate eye movements, maintain…
Neural Control of Eye Movements
Introduction The brain controls the eyes to ensure optimal visual acuity as we navigate our environment throughout our daily lives. First, we make voluntary eye movements to explore our visual…
Production and Flow of Aqueous Humor
Introduction Intraocular pressure (IOP) is an essential feature of the eye. It influences the shape and curvature of the globe, thus indirectly affecting the eye’s optical performance. The pressure is…
Metabolic Interactions Between Neurons and Glial Cells
Introduction The predominant function of the retina is to transmit light impulse–converted nerve signals from the retina to the brain, thereby forming an interpreted image. Light waves initially enter the…
Outward-Directed Transport
Introduction Several barriers protect the eye from exogenous compounds that may exert toxic reactions in the eye. These barriers can be classified anatomically into three groups. First, the eye is…
The Function of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Introduction The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a monolayer of pigmented cells located between the light-sensitive photoreceptor outer segments and the fenestrated endothelium of the choriocapillaris. On both sides, specialized…
Three-Dimensional Eye Movements: Kinematics, Control, and Perceptual Consequences
Introduction For centuries it has been known that the eyes are capable of rotating in three dimensions (3D): horizontally (left-right), vertically (up-down), and torsionally (clockwise-counterclockwise, which for now we can…