Ocular motor skills refers to the ability of the eyes to track and focus on an object. Good ocular motor skills allow the eyes to move simultaneously in a smooth pattern. Ocular motor skills are an important foundation for fine motor skills such as writing, gross motor skills such as catching a ball and academic skills such as reading.
Components of Ocular Motor Skills
The components of ocular motor skills include: fixation, pursuits and saccadic movements. Fixation is the ability of the eyes to focus on an object, while pursuits refers to the ability of the eyes to follow and track moving objects. Saccadic movements are the abilities of the eyes to move from one point to another accurately and smoothly. This is an important skill for reading, as the eyes need to move from one word to the next.
Relationship to Learning
According to the American Optometric Association, an estimated 80 percent of all learning in school aged children occurs through they eyes. Ocular motor function in children is used for reading, writing, computers and participation in sports. Along with ocular motor skills, visual acuity, visual perception and eye/hand coordination can affect a child's ability to recognize, comprehend and retain information for learning.
Possible Signs of Dysfunction
Ocular motor skill problems can be manifested in academic difficulties in school aged children. For example, skipping words when reading, using a finger to hold place in reading or difficulty copying words from a board can be signs of ocular motor skill dysfunction. Poor spacing or poor handwriting can also be signs of an ocular motor skills problem.
Assessment and Treatment
A thorough visual assessment by a licensed optometrist who specializes in developmental behavioral optometry will be the first step in assessing ocular motor skills in children. They will assess for a variety of visual motor skills beyond a vision screening. Developmental optometrists may prescribe vision therapy, which focuses on improving and developing ocular motor function for academic achievement. Vision therapy generally consists of vision exercises and activities, aimed at improving the eyes' ability to track and move smoothly for reading and writing activities.
Activities for Ocular Motor Skill Development
To target ocular motor skills, activities that allow the eye to practice fixation and tracking objects will be useful. For example, walking on a balance beam while fixating on a swinging ball, tracing large drawings, playing racket sports or playing search and find games, all allow the eye to practice making smooth movements. When working on activities for ocular motor skill, it is important to remind the child to keep his head still, to prevent the head from compensating for eye movement.
