Bead & String Eye Exercises for Exotropia

Bead and string eye exercises are available for individuals with exotropia or "wandering eye." Exotropia is when the eye or eyes do not turn in when focusing from far to near. A better way of explaining exotropia is that one eye seems to get stuck in an outward position. Milder cases exist of wandering eye, in which either or both eyes move outward but do not get stuck. This is called exophona. If either or both eyes wander toward the nose, then the condition is called esotropia.

The Exercise

• Individuals who have exotropia have problems with convergence. Convergence is simply a problem getting both eyes to focus on objects that are near. The best bead and string exercise for individuals with exotropia is the "Brock String" exercise. This simple exercise uses a 4-foot string and three large different-colored beads. The beads are placed 1-foot apart on the string with a loop tied in one end to secure to a stationary object.

The Process

• Once the beads have been tied to the string and attached to a stationary object, such as a doorknob, a chair is placed approximately 4 feet from the door. The individual sits in the chair and holds the end of the beaded string to the tip of her nose.

  Begin the exercise by focusing on the first bead. When focusing is complete, an "X" will form with the bead seen as the center. Once the first bead has come into focus, move to the next bead. Repeat the steps for the final bead.

  It is important to repeat the exercise for a minimum of five rotations. The object is to shorten the time it takes to focus on each bead before moving to the next.

Adaptations

• There are several adaptations to the "Brock String" eye exercise: the string may be longer; buttons or drilled ping pong balls may be used; moving the beads closer to the nose; more beads may be added; skipping beads when focusing; adding colored dots or letters on the beads as a focal point; adding rhythm while focusing.