Abstract

Summary

This review provides a comprehensive update on how the autonomic nervous system regulates key ocular functions including pupil diameter, accommodation, and intraocular pressure through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. Understanding these mechanisms is important for interpreting pupillometric responses to light and designing lighting systems that account for ocular physiology.
Abstract

Key Findings

  • The autonomic nervous system regulates pupil size, lens accommodation, ocular circulation, and intraocular pressure through precise sympathetic and parasympathetic balance.
  • Almost all parts of the eye have autonomic innervation contributing to local homeostatic regulation through synergy and antagonism between the two branches of the ANS.
  • New research methods have revealed novel anatomical characteristics and physiological processes in ocular autonomic control, advancing understanding beyond classical descriptions.
Categories

Categories

Eye Health & Vision: Reviews autonomic nervous system control of ocular functions including pupil size, lens accommodation, intraocular pressure, and ocular circulation.
The Science of Light: Pupillary light reflex and related autonomic regulation are directly relevant to understanding how the eye responds to light stimuli.
Authors

Author(s)

F Wu, Y Zhao, H Zhang
Publication Date

Publication Year

2022
Citations

Number of Citations

16
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