Convergence Responses to Monocularly Viewed Objects: Implications for Distance Perception

In four experiments the role of dark vergence and the implied distance from the familiar-size and suggested-size cues to distance on the convergence response was investigated. A nonius-alignment technique was used to measure the convergence response in total darkness (dark vergence) and the fusion-free convergence response to monocularly viewed objects presented at a distance of 75 cm under otherwise reduced stimulus conditions. Observers also estimated the size and distance of the objects. The results indicated a significant association between individuals' dark-vergence distances and the convergence distances to the objects. Furthermore, the convergence response was influenced by the implied distance from the familiar-size cue but not by the implied distance from size suggestions. Both the familiar-size and the suggested-size cues influenced reports of distance. The implications of these findings for distance perception are discussed with particular reference to the familiar-size cue to distance.