Extraocular muscle function

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. Without moving your head, the examiner will move the object from a center point in space out to the periphery at the following angles and ask you to follow without moving your head: 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, 315 degrees, and 360 degrees.

How to Prepare:
No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How it Feels:
The test involves only normal movement of the eyes.

Risks:
There are no risks associated with this test.

Why this Test is Performed:
This test is performed to evaluate any weakness or other defect in the extraocular muscles which results in nystagmus .

Normal Values:
Normal movement of the eyes in all visual fields .

Abnormal Results:
If there are fine oscillations in the eye during the test, nystagmus is present. For more information on the clinical significance of fine oscillations in the eye see nystagmus.

Cost:
The testing of extraocular movements is part of a normal eye examination.

Special Considerations:
Minute nystagmus at extreme lateral (to the side) gazes is not uncommon.


This is an illustration of a cross-section and frontal view of the eye.