How to Test Eye Muscles

Eyes are among the most complex structures in the human body. Along with the lens, fluid, retina and nerves that actually transmit the images they receive, eyes also depend on the extraocular muscles that surround them to be able to move properly and take in a full field of view. Problems with extraocular muscles can lead to rapid and uncontrolled movements of the eye or to double vision (reference 1). Testing these muscles is one of the simplest diagnostics done at a doctor's office, but interpreting them usually needs the eye of a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Pen or pencil

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Instructions

• 1

  Take off the subject's glasses or have her take out any contact lenses.

• 2

  Ask the subject to sit or stand with her back and neck straight.

• 3

  Hold a pen or other small object 12 inches away from the subject's face.

• 4

  Ask the subject to follow the object with her eyes only, keeping her neck, head and torso still.

• 5

  Move the object slowly from side to side, then up and down.

• 6

  Observe the subject's eyes as you move the pen. Look for trembles or for points at which the eyes cannot move any farther right/left or up/down. If the eyes can move farther to one side than another, it may indicate a muscle problem or a problem in the area of the brain that controls these muscles. Discuss the results with a doctor or have a doctor do the test.