Oculomotor Dysfunction

What is Oculomotor Dysfunction?

Oculomotor Dysfunction is a fairly common eye problem in which people are unable to follow a moving object accurately (pursuit fixation) or unable to quickly shift their eyes from one point of fixation to another (saccadic fixation – necessary for tracking skills while reading or copying). These skills are necessary for optimal academic and athletic performance. Oculomotor Dysfunction develops over a period of time but can be treated by following a course of corrective eye exercises.

What is a Tracking Problem?

In order to process visual information properly the eyes must move smoothly and quickly from word to word or from one object to another target. Every time a child looks from the board to the book, for instance, the eyes must accurately jump from one target to another. The same is true for reading. If a person has problems with tracking, they have a saccadic deficiency.

Why is Accurate Eye Movement Control Necessary?

Accurate eye movement control is necessary because only the very central area of the retina permits clear vision. Therefore, eye aiming must be controlled accurately so that the object being looked at falls on this central area (macula or fovea) for the most efficient seeing.

What Causes Oculomotor Dysfunction?

There are six muscles around each eye. These six muscles work together in an extremely sophisticated manner in order to accurately control eye movements. Oculomotor Dysfunction occurs when these muscles are not properly coordinated. The causes of Oculomotor Dysfunction are many – ranging from slow development to disease of the central nervous system. An eye exam is needed to diagnose the condition.

What are the symptoms of Oculomotor Dysfunction?

Mistakes copying from a book
Finger pointing when reading
Moving head while reading
“Careless” errors at arithmetic or spelling
Difficulty keeping eyes on the ball during sports

How is Oculomotor Dysfunction Treated?

Oculomotor Dysfunction is most often due to a faulty development of muscle control, so a program of coordinating or strengthening activities is prescribed in a vision therapy program. Occassionally, nystagmus is present, a congenital movement of the eyes associated with decreased vision. Vision therapy is not prescribed for congenital nystagmus.

Adapted from Vision Therapy Manual, Mitchell Sheiman, 1992

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