In a typical eye movement detection test, the patient is placed in a particular area and various types of lights are placed above or below the head. These lights produce different intensities in response to the stimuli. The test is repeated several times within a short period, and readings are recorded on a computer.
Eye movements can show areas where a person has trouble when they are processing information or remembering things. Patients need to complete the test several times in order to get a good reading. Sometimes this requires someone to hold the eye at an angle that will not leave any redness. Sometimes the test is performed while the patient is sitting still and the monitor records the results. Other people may want to know if the test is being performed by someone who is standing.
The reason a patient is given EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization is to find out what happens when they look into a bright light. The patient may blink or just look away. The more extreme the blinking or looking away the more likely retinal detachment will occur. This is a serious condition. It is possible to prevent detachment through the use of eye drops before the test is started. The purpose of this test is to get an approximate estimate of how much time should be allowed for the eye to heal.
Eye movements are usually videotaped for study. Some eye specialists only perform the tests, when requested by a patient. There is no substitute for having your eye examined by someone who knows what they are doing. There are several reasons why the tests might be requested before the procedure.
When the doctor is determining the best treatment for a patient, the tests are used to help determine the eye problems or disease they might be suffering from. Eye movement tests will help them evaluate the patient’s eyes when they are resting. It is normal for the eyes to flutter and jerk a bit when a person is not looking at the television or lying in bed.
If the test shows an issue then a treatment plan can be devised. Eye specialists like to start with the testing first. If they find out that the person is not going to benefit from the treatment, they can decide to take the test over with the patient. If they find out that they will then proceed with the treatment.
Eye movement and EMDR tests are very important to any eye care professional. It is very common for many doctors to recommend the tests to patients before proceeding with a treatment plan. The tests can determine if a person is going to benefit from certain glasses or contact lenses. They can also determine if there is a movement disorder or if a person needs surgery.
There are other reasons why people get EMDR. It is used in the process of training people to handle visual situations where it would be difficult to keep still. It has even been used to help people learn to deal with sounds and lights. Eye specialists use this test to teach people how to orient themselves in the environment. The tests can also help train people to deal with certain things like strobe lights or strobe boats. They are able to teach them how to recognize the symbols used and identify different objects in the environment.
If you go to an eye movement desensitization and reprogramming clinic you will likely be given a few eye movement tests. Some of these may involve several sessions, while others will be done over the course of one day. The clinic will explain the process to you and let you know when they recommend that you should schedule an exam.
If you do decide to take the exam, make sure that you research each eye movement desensitization and reprogramming clinic very carefully. Find out what credentials they have and if they are accredited. Also find out if they will provide you with the testing materials you need. It is also a good idea to ask your friends and family members for recommendations on which places they go and which ones they recommend.