Many people are familiar with common vision problems such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, but fewer are aware of ocular motor dysfunction. This condition often develops during childhood, although adults may also experience it. Because ocular motor dysfunction can significantly interfere with everyday activities such as reading, it is important to have a comprehensive eye exam to evaluate for this condition.
What Is Ocular Motor Dysfunction?
Six muscles control the movement of the human eye. These tiny muscles work together to allow the eyeball to move up, down, left, and right. In most people, the brain signals the muscles to move the eyes without our conscious awareness. For people with ocular motor dysfunction, however, the eyes do not work together properly, resulting in reduced coordination and less efficient eye movements.
There are several movements necessary for proper eye function. Smooth pursuits involve accurately following a moving object. Saccades are rapid eye movements commonly used when reading or tracking information. Additionally, the eyes must be be able to move inward and outward to change the point of focus. When these eye movements are not functioning properly, they may significantly affect everyday activities and result in symptoms such as:
- Losing one’s place or omitting words while reading
- Difficulty smoothly tracking or following moving objects
- Difficulty with reading or learning tasks
- Difficulty sustaining attention on a task
- Poor coordination
- Vertigo
- Nausea and motion sickness
If you or a family member experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine whether ocular motor dysfunction or another vision condition may be the cause.
Diagnosis of Ocular Motor Dysfunction
An optometrist can diagnose ocular motor dysfunction by conducting a variety of tests. Your eye doctor may ask you to visually follow an object while keeping your head still. This allows the doctor to identify tracking difficulties. The doctor will also evaluate the accuracy of saccades (rapid eye movements), the ability to follow objects in sequence, and whether head movements are used to compensate for difficulty tracking.
Treatment for Ocular Motor Dysfunction
Your eye muscles function much like the other muscles in your body—regular exercises can help improve their performance. Vision therapy is one of the most effective treatments for ocular motor dysfunction. It helps strengthen eye coordination and improves the ability of the eyes to work together effectively.