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Eye Movement Recording

Eye Movement Recording

At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we believe parents and guardians can contribute to the success of this test and invite you to participate. Please read the following information to learn about the test and how you can help.

Fast Facts About Eye Movement Recording

  • Eye movement recording is done to diagnose certain types of nystagmus.
  • Eye movement recording gives important information that can be used when a surgical approach to treating nystagmus is needed.
  • This test does not hurt and it is done while the child is awake.
  • During the test, your child’s eye movement will be recorded in one of two ways: either by having your child wear a set of “goggles,” similar to swim goggles, to look at a red dot on a special screen, or by having his or her eye movement measured by a special digital camera instead.
  • The recording device will measure eye movement from inside the goggles or from the digital camera and record the results on a piece of paper that looks similar to an electrocardiogram (EKG).
  • Eye movement recording can be done on children of all ages, even on babies who can’t understand verbal directions.
  • This test requires no preparation and is done in the Division of Ophthalmology offices at Children’s Hospital in Lawrenceville.
  • Your child can resume normal activities as soon as the test and office appointment are over.
  • This test takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the age of the child and how cooperative he or she is during the test.