Orthoptic Examination

What is an Orthoptic Examination;

An orthoptic eye exam is a series of tests are used to determine an individual’s overall binocularity. In other words, the ability to use the eyes as a pair.

Binocular vision is important to us as it keeps our eyes aligned and in sync. Whenever we are focussing on a particular object or following something in our sight, our brains fuse the images for each eye together, so that we constantly perceive one image. Our brain does this by telling each of the six muscles of each eye how to move in a synchronised fashion. A good binocular system also allows us to see the world in 3D.

Why do I need an orthoptic exam?

An orthoptic eye exam provides information on:

Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Binocular vision (not being able to use your eyes together)
Abnormal eye moments (caused by injury or disease)
Diplopia (double vision)

What are the conditions that need an orthoptic assessment?

There are many conditions that can affect our binocular system. These can be congenital, where one is born with a weakness or defect in one of the muscles that control eye movement. Muscle problems can also be acquired or develop due to many conditions. These can be associated with certain syndromes or can be acquired at any stage in life due to injury, as part of a systemic disease (such as diabetes or thyroid eye disease) or through neurological disease (such as certain brain lesions or stroke).

What are the symptoms of reduced binocularity?

Blurred vision
Double vision
Eyestrain
Headaches
Sometimes a change in head posture

What tests taking place during an orthoptic assessment?

Orthoptist tests are designed to assess eye alignment, movement and binocular vision. Common orthoptist tests include:

Eye movement tests – these assess the movement of your eyes in different positions.
Cover test – to diagnose strabismus or misalignment.
Visual acuity test – tests your vision in each eye.
Stereopsis tests – assesses your 3D vision and your ability to perceive depth.

What are the treatments for binocular vision problems?

Orthoptic exercises can help to train and strengthen the eye muscles
Spectacle or contact lens prescriptions can be modified to improve control of the eyes
Prisms can be added to a prescription to help with the control of the eyes
Strabismus surgery or Botox injections to eye muscles may be needed it

Athens EyeCare Clinic has fully trained professionals to perform an accurate orthoptic examination and treat the reasons of reduced binocularity.