Extraocular muscle function testing

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Eye	Eye muscle test

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.

EOM; Extraocular movement; Ocular motility examination

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.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

The test involves only normal movement of the eyes.

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.

Review Date: 02/16/2011
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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