Oculomotor Dysfunction (Eye Tracking Disorder)
ABOUT Oculomotor Dysfunction
Also known as an eye-tracking problem, Oculomotor Dysfunction occurs when there is a developmental delay or neurological event that interferes with the brain’s ability to effectively coordinate the eyes to fixate, follow, and move from spot to spot with accuracy and efficient control. This condition can affect many aspects of daily life but commonly affects reading, handwriting, attention, and athletic performance.
DETAILS
Around each eye are six extraocular muscles that work together in a sophisticated manner to accurately control eye movements. When these muscles improperly coordinate together, several visual problems can occur, commonly affecting:
- Fixation – the ability to maintain steady directing of the eyes on the target/object
- Smooth Pursuits – the ability to follow a moving object smoothly and accurately
- Saccades – the eyes’ ability to jump from spot to spot accurately.
Oculomotor Dysfunction is a relatively common visual condition that can affect individuals of all ages, usually due to a developmental delay or a result of a concussion (mTBI) or more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI). Without treatment, those with this condition typically develop or rely on compensatory techniques, such as using a finger as a marker while reading.
Those with this condition often struggle with:
- General reading skills
- Reading speed
- Reading comprehension
- Using a finger while reading
- Coordination or clumsiness
- Sports
- Attention and concentration
- Disorientation
- Motion sickness
TREATMENT
There are some misconceptions that doing basic eye exercises can correct eye-tracking problems. However, clinical trial research shows that home-based treatment models, even with occasional office-monitoring visits, are ineffective.
At Wow Vision Therapy, we are a leading developmental and rehabilitative vision therapy practice. Our advanced office-based approach goes beyond basic at-home treatment. Our doctors and board-certified vision therapists provide innovative vision therapy that incorporates coordinated movement, balance, auditory processing, and cognitive skills. We address vision problems like Oculomotor Dysfunction with a personalized approach. Each session is one-on-one (therapist-to-patient), conducted under doctor supervision. Our providers utilize the most advanced technology including in-office and home support virtual reality. This methodology allows our patients to develop their visual abilities and improve daily living in the classroom, the workplace, and in sports.
Our advanced treatment includes:
- Visual Processing Development
- Eye-Hand Coordination Development
- Binocular Vision Therapy
- Visual Imagery Therapy
- Visual-Motor Integration Development
- Visual-Vestibular Integration Development
Treatment may also include spectacle lens, prisms, filters, and special tint prescriptions to provide symptomatic relief.
RESULTS
After treatment, our patients improve their:
- Reading speed and fluency
- Attention and concentration
- Balance and eliminate motion sickness
- Visual-spatial awareness
- Eye-hand coordination
- Handwriting speed and neatness
Testimonials
GET IN TOUCH
To learn more, please fill out the form below and one of our Patient Care Coordinators will be in touch to answer your questions or help schedule an evaluation for you.
Research
Effect of oculomotor and other visual skills on reading performance: a literature review.