What convergence response occurs when focusing on nearby objects?

When focusing on nearby objects, the convergence response involves the eyes turning inward, a movement that is best described as the eyes crossing. This physiological response allows both eyes to align precisely on the object of interest, ensuring that the image is focused correctly on the retinal surface of each eye. Convergence is essential for depth perception, as it enables the brain to process a single, three-dimensional image by combining the two slightly different viewpoints provided by each eye.

The other options do not accurately reflect the natural behavior of the eyes when focusing on close objects. Eyes gazing outward would occur when focusing on distant objects, while widening or tilting does not describe a typical ocular response associated with close-range focus. Understanding convergence is crucial in fields related to optics and vision care, as it directly impacts visual clarity and comfort.