Ocular Motility Assessments Why Is It Important To Get Your Child Examined From An Early Age

Our eyes consist of six muscles that involve moving them into up/down or left/right directions. The weakness of these muscles can cause problems in focusing, and eye movements and can result in lazy eye or strabismus conditions. These eye issues can usually be seen in early childhood and must be treated earliest to reverse the problem. Ophthalmologists state that after the first comprehensive eye examinations at six months of age, a child needs to be taken to the eye hospital by the age of 3. During this visit to a pediatric ophthalmologist Dubai, an ophthalmic exam will occur, including an ocular motility assessment, which is a simple yet profoundly significant test. This article discusses ocular motility assessments and the importance of taking children to the eye clinic at an early age.

Ocular Motility Disorders

Ocular motility disorders are eye problems that occur due to misalignments or difficulties in controlling eye movements. It is crucial to have a good vision from both eyes for the brain to interpret a clear 3D picture. When this does not occur in the usual manner, double vision can take place. Given below are three types of motility disorders that can be seen among children.

Strabismus – A condition in which the two eyes are not facing in the same direction.

Amblyopia – Lazy eye is a problem where the brain favors one eye and makes the other eye lazy, weakening its function.

Nystagmus – This is commonly called dancing eyes which are characterized by fast and uncontrolled eye movements.

What Is Ocular Motility Assessment?

Extraocular muscles control eye movements and eyelid elevations. The muscles will act accordingly depending on the position of the eye at the given moment. An ocular motility assessment refers to the examination of these muscles to ensure the correct functionality of them. A vision eye center test enables identifying any impairment in eye movements and eye misalignments and noting other contributing factors like pupil or eyelid abnormalities. The condition can be treated, and the unimpaired vision can be entirely regained if treated at early stages. The treatment can vary with the type of disorder. Eyeglasses, prism correction, eye muscle exercises, or vision therapy are used accordingly depending on the severity of each motility disorder.

Significance Of Children’s Eye Exams

It is essential to have yearly eye examinations for children to ensure their eyes are healthy and safe. Distorted vision can negatively affect academic work and even cause mental issues and troubles when trying to concentrate.

Some children can be born with eye conditions like strabismus which can be controlled or reversed entirely with vision therapy treatments if diagnosed early. Those with refractive errors can experience eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, which can pose a greater risk of learning problems.

It is essential to identify the importance of ocular motility assessments and prevent your child from getting from these most common disorders that can cause permanent visual disability if not treated at the correct age. Now you can visit us at Quironsalud, one of the best eye hospitals in UAE, and meet our pediatric ophthalmologists who have years of hands-on experience dealing with children’s eye problems.