Eyes move together in a coordinated fashion because the muscles controlling each eye are triggered simultaneously.
Coordinated Eye Movement Explained
For our eyes to work together seamlessly and prevent double vision, their movements must be precisely synchronized. This coordination relies on the intricate interplay of muscles and neural signals.
The Role of Eye Muscles
Each eye is controlled by six muscles that allow it to move in different directions. These muscles work in pairs, and for the eyes to move in unison, each one of those muscles must be triggered simultaneously in both eyes, according to a 2005 review in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
How Simultaneous Triggering Works
Here’s a breakdown of how this simultaneous triggering ensures coordinated eye movement:
- Neural Coordination: The brain sends signals to the corresponding muscles in each eye at the same time.
- Muscle Activation: The simultaneous signals cause the appropriate muscles in each eye to contract or relax in a synchronized manner.
- Unison Movement: This coordinated muscle action ensures that both eyes move together, maintaining a single, clear image.
Example: Looking to the Right
Imagine you're looking to the right. For this to happen smoothly:
- The lateral rectus muscle (moves the eye outward) in your right eye contracts.
- Simultaneously, the medial rectus muscle (moves the eye inward) in your left eye contracts.
- The signals to these muscles must be timed perfectly to ensure both eyes move together and focus on the same point.
Consequences of Uncoordinated Movement
If the signals aren't synchronized, the eyes won't move together properly, leading to conditions like:
- Strabismus (crossed eyes): Where the eyes point in different directions.
- Diplopia (double vision): Seeing two images of a single object.
