Horopter

Horopter is a term used in visual perception and optometry to describe the locus of points in space that, when fixated, fall on corresponding points on the two retinas. The concept of the horopter is important in understanding binocular vision and stereopsis.

Definition

The horopter is defined as the locus of points in space that, when fixated, fall on corresponding points on the two retinas. This means that when we fixate on a point in space, all the points along the horopter will fall on corresponding points on the two retinas. This is important for binocular vision, as it allows us to perceive depth and distance.

Types of Horopter

There are several types of horopter, including the empirical horopter, the theoretical horopter, and the nonius horopter. Each of these has a slightly different definition and is used in different contexts.

Empirical Horopter

The empirical horopter is defined as the locus of points that are perceived as being in the same depth plane as the fixation point. This is determined experimentally by having observers judge the relative depth of points in their visual field.

Theoretical Horopter

The theoretical horopter is defined as the locus of points that would fall on corresponding points on the two retinas if the visual system were perfect. This is a theoretical construct that is used to understand the limitations of the visual system.

Nonius Horopter

The nonius horopter is defined as the locus of points that are perceived as being in the same depth plane as the fixation point when one eye is covered. This is used to understand the role of monocular cues in depth perception.

Clinical Relevance

The concept of the horopter is important in understanding and diagnosing disorders of binocular vision, such as strabismus and amblyopia. By understanding the horopter, clinicians can better understand the visual experiences of their patients and can develop more effective treatment strategies.

See Also

• Binocular vision
• Stereopsis
• Strabismus
• Amblyopia

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