The spectrum of eye movements includes reflexes that draw the eyes to objects of interest (which could be called visually driven attention), and precise voluntary movements that can occur even in the absence of visual input, in the dark or when the eyes are closed.

Most eye movements are ultimately under the control of the cerebral cortex. The three most relevant pathways are those from the frontal eye fields, parietal eye fields, and visual cortex to the superior colliculus.

The SC receives input from the early stages of visual processing, including the LGN, V1, and especially complex cells in V2.

The SC receives input from the lateral intraparietal area.

The SC receives input from the frontal eye fields.

Control of Vergence Eye Movements

Most vergence movements are target driven. However it is possible for humans to emit disjunctive eye movements in the absence of visual input. The vergence system in the brain goes outside of the other oculomotor circuits, it is a separate set of pathways.