Extraocular muscle function testing - Overview

Alternative Names

EOM; Extraocular movement; Ocular motility examination

Definition of Extraocular muscle function testing:

Extraocular muscle function testing is an examination of the function of the eye muscles. A doctor observes the movement of the eyes in six specific directions.

How the test is performed:

You are asked to sit or stand with your head erect and a forward gaze. Your health care provider will hold a pen or other object 12 inches in front of your face. He or she will then move the object in several directions and ask you to follow it with your eyes, without moving your head.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the test will feel:

The test involves only normal movement of the eyes.

Why the test is performed:

This test is performed to evaluate any weakness or other problem in the extraocular muscles, which may result in double vision or rapid, uncontrolled eye movements.

Eye

Eye muscle test

Reviewed last on: 2/16/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Baloh RW. Neuro-ophthalmology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 450.

Lavin PJM. Eye movement disorders: diplopia, nystagmus, and other ocular oscillations. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 16.

Nystagmus

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