Vergence Neural Pathways: A Systematic Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Research in the neural pathway for vergence is less understood in comparison to the other four visual eye movements. The aim of this study was to review the literature on vergence neural pathways and associated disorders. A review of previous published literature though to March 2016 was conducted. Intracranial pathologies that affect entire neural functioning were found to cause convergence insufficiencies. In contrast, pathologies with a more localised intracranial lesion cause more specific vergence disorders. There is debate as to the potential presence of a "divergence centre." Detailed information on the divergence pathway is lacking and warrants further research.

Keywords: Convergence; degeneration; divergence; neural pathways; review; vergence.

Figure 1.

Schematic diagram of the areas in the thalamus causing convergence disorders secondary to thalamic haemorrhage or lesions in the pulvinar nuclei.

Figure 2.

Schematic diagrams showing the brainstem and cerebellum. Areas highlighted indicate the area of a lesion identified to have an involvement with the convergence pathway.

Figure 3.

Schematic diagrams of the brainstem and thalamus. Locations identified represent the lesions noted in the literature for divergence disorders.