Assessment of BV & the more common anomalies of binocular vision

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Binocular vision is the co‐ordination and integration of what is received from the two eyes separately into a single binocular percept. Simultaneous macular perception is the most elementary type of binocularity and represents simple sensory fusion. It occurs when the visual cortex processes separate stimuli from the two eyes at the same time and perceives them as a single image. However, true fusion occurs when both two images are fused, and some effort is made to maintain this fusion by adding a motor response. Finally these fused images of the two eyes are blended to produce a stereoscopic effect. Thus stereopsis involves a perceptual synthesis at a higher level.Methods When investigating binocular vision we should aim at assessing the presence or absence of 1) simultaneous perception, 2) fusion with some amplitude and 3) stereopsis.Results Here we examine the mechanisms of these conditions and how they reflect increasing levels of binocularity. Additionally, we will discuss the different clinical tests available to assess these conditions and what is observed when abnormal binocular vision is present.Conclusion Understanding binocular vision and how there are different levels of processing is of great importance. This talk will try to assist on the understanding of the mechanisms of binocular vision and stereopsis so we can be in better position to understand the clinical findings of our patients and what they mean in terms of cortical processing.