Using visual pursuit of the finger, test the function of the extrinsic muscles of the eye

Question 1

Describe how to test the function of the different extraocular muscles using visual pursuit - taking the right eye as the eye being tested

Also what is one important thing to keep in mind when testing the superior and inferior rectus and the superior and inferior obliques?

Answer 1

• Close one of the eyes of the patient
• Ask the patient to keep their sights fixed at the end of your finger
• Lateral rectus: bring finger to the right (eye abduction)
• Medial rectus: bring finger to the left (eye adduction)
• Superior rectus: bring finger to the right (abduct) and up
• Inferior rectus: bring finger to the right (abduct) and down
• Superior oblique: bring the finger to the left (adduction) and up
• Inferior oblique: bring the finger to the left (adduction) and down

Important to remember that in regards the abduction / adduction of the superior and inferiors rectuses and obliques, they are essentially swapped for testing compared to their function. I.e the obliques abduct the eye but to test the superior oblique you must adduct the eye and elevate it and so on