What is the study of ocular motility in neurodegenerative diseases?
The study of ocular motility is a diagnostic technique that evaluates eye movements and their coordination. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, this test allows for the identification of specific alterations in eye movement patterns that may be related to progressive neurological damage. It is a key tool for early diagnosis, clinical follow-up, and therapeutic planning in patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, among others.
What is this test for?
The study of ocular motility is mainly used for:
- Diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: To identify alterations in eye movements that may be indicative of neurological dysfunction.
- Evaluation of visual symptoms: It is used to analyze problems such as double vision, difficulty focusing, or uncoordinated eye movements.
- Therapeutic planning: It helps to design visual rehabilitation strategies adapted to the patient’s needs.
- Clinical follow-up: It is used to monitor the progression of the disease and evaluate the response to treatments.
- Clinical research: It is used to study the relationship between ocular alterations and the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Benefits of high technology in the study of ocular motility in neurodegenerative diseases
The procedure combines clinical tests and advanced technology to measure the speed, amplitude, and precision of eye movements. These tests may include techniques such as videonystagmography, eye tracking using infrared cameras, and computerized analysis of movement patterns.
What is the procedure like?
The ocular motility study procedure involves:
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Preparation:
In the initial consultation, the doctor will ask you some questions to learn about your medical history and better understand your symptoms. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing without metal elements. Also, if you are taking any medication that may affect your neurological or visual state, inform the medical team so they can take it into account.
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During the test:
During the test, the specialist will observe your eye movements while you follow moving objects or perform specific tasks. Depending on the case, instrumental tests such as videonystagmography, which records eye movements with specialized cameras, or computerized eye tracking, which analyzes movement patterns in real time, may be performed.
Your ability to fixate your gaze and make rapid movements between two points may also be evaluated using the fixation and saccades test. All data will be processed with specialized software to generate a detailed report. In total, the procedure usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
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After the test:
You can resume your normal activities immediately after the procedure. A neuro-ophthalmology specialist will analyze and interpret the results and send them to your doctor.
Recommendations for the test
- Avoid sudden movements: During the test, it is essential that you follow the technician’s instructions to ensure accurate results.
- Prior rest: It is important that you come well-rested to avoid eye fatigue during the procedure.
- Companion: In some cases, it may be useful to be accompanied by a family member who can provide additional information about your behavior.
Are there any risks?
The ocular motility study is a safe and non-invasive procedure. However, some specific tests may cause mild discomfort:
- Temporary discomfort: In case of using devices such as infrared cameras or specialized glasses.
- Eye fatigue: Due to the duration and demands of some tests.
To ensure your test goes smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Before the test, we will give you the Informed Consent, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
If your appointment is for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), it is crucial that you inform us about the presence of pacemakers, metal objects, prostheses (including dental ones), tattoos, or medication infusion devices, such as insulin pumps.
These diagnostic tests are very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a minimal possibility of an incident.
