Optic angle

Optic Angle is a term used in optics and ophthalmology to describe the angle formed by the intersection of the visual axes of the eyes. It is a crucial concept in understanding binocular vision and the perception of depth.

Definition

The optic angle, also known as the angle of convergence or vergence angle, is the angle formed by the intersection of the visual axes of the two eyes when fixating on an object. The size of the optic angle is determined by the distance of the object from the observer. The closer the object, the larger the optic angle.

Measurement

The optic angle can be measured using a variety of techniques, including prism cover tests and Hirschberg tests. These tests are commonly used in optometry and ophthalmology to assess binocular vision and diagnose conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia.

Clinical Significance

The optic angle is a critical factor in binocular vision, which is the ability to maintain visual focus on an object with both eyes, creating a single visual image. Disorders of the optic angle can lead to conditions such as strabismus, where the eyes do not properly align with each other, and amblyopia, also known as lazy eye.

See Also

• Binocular vision
• Strabismus
• Amblyopia
• Hirschberg test
• Prism cover test