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

Once Camryn started therapy at Wow Vision Therapy, we started seeing improvements within weeks. We were truly amazed! I will never forget the day that Camryn brought home her first 90% on a reading quiz. She was so proud of herself!

- Sarah

Now that she has completed VT, she is able and wants to read independently. She has developed a new self-confidence that I don’t think she otherwise would have. I would recommend Wow Vision Therapy to parents who are struggling with how to help their child. I wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to do it finally!

- Michele

Since starting vision therapy, Grayson’s writing has improved, and he can now read stories without skipping words. He can read more fluently and is doing better in school. He has also improved with his hand-eye coordination and is doing better in sports.

- Deanna

Vision Therapy has been the best gift ever given to Madelyn and our family. Now Madelyn has more focus when she is working on something and can sit still for longer periods of time. Madelyn is now on track to be a successful First Grader, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. We are so blessed to find this place and would highly recommend Wow Vision Therapy to everyone.

- Tom & Kayla

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.

The relation of clinical saccadic eye movement testing to reading in kindergartners and first graders.