Extraocular Muscles

Extraocular muscle functioning test. Is also known as an ocular motility examination. This test observes eye movement in a directional format, usually in six specific directions.

If this test is performed by the technician at your office, it's important to know what is abnormal. Observe if there is smooth movement, and if both eyes are able to move together in the same direction.  You'll want to alert your doctor if it looks like anything other than normal. For example, if you have 1 eye veering off or one eye stays in place. You'll definitely want to alert your doctor.

"Mrs. Davis, normally your eyes track together. This test allows us to assess how well your extraocular muscles are performing in a directional fashion."

And for documenting the EOM test within your EMR, it's going to be again pretty straightforward. You'll have to document for both the right eye and the left eye and whether it is full range of motion or if there are limitations. 

Common patient feedback and responses: Remember to remind your patient to hold their head still and follow with their eyes only as they are looking at your target.