Visual Tracking Difficulties

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

There are different types of eye movements that are crucial for a variety of visual and cognitive processes. Saccades and fixations are important when reading; if these are not accurate patients can experience visual tracking difficulties.

Saccades

• Definition: Rapid, jerky movements of the eyes that shift focus from one word or object to another.
• Function: Saccades allow the eyes to jump between words or phrases to track through the text. In some individuals, these movements may be slow, inaccurate or irregular. If there is a problem with saccades, it can be hard to follow lines of text, this can sometimes lead to frustration and fatigue when reading.

Fixations

• Definition: Periods when the eyes are relatively still, focusing on a specific point or word in the text.
• Function: During fixations, the visual information is processed by the brain.

Symptoms of Visual Tracking Difficulties

People with saccadic tracking difficulties may experience:

• Difficultly reading: Difficultly following lines of text, skipping words, or losing their place whilst reading. This can be more apparent when a child moves up through the school years and print becomes much smaller.
• Difficulty copying from the board: It can be difficult to shift focus from one place to another and back again.
• Fatigue or discomfort: Especially after prolonged periods of reading.

Exercises

The below exercises / games can be performed a few times per week to attempt to improve eye tracking:

• Objective: To practice quick eye movements between two fixed points.
• Instructions:
• Place two objects (for example, two different coloured pencils) about 12-18 inches / 30-45 cm apart, at eye level.
• Start by focusing on one object, keeping the head still
• Quickly look to the other object and back, again whilst keeping the head still.
• Repeat this process 10-15 times, increasing speed gradually without losing accuracy.

Counting letters

• Objective: To practice saccadic movements while reading.
• Instructions:
• Choose a short passage of text to read (this could be a small section from a book, newspaper or magazine).
• Look through the text and cross out a certain letter (for example, letter ‘o’). This can be repeated searching for a different letter or through a different piece of text.
• Do the exercise for five minutes or so, taking breaks if necessary.
• Tip: If the text is challenging, try using a ruler or finger as a guide.

Apps / games / puzzles

Examples as given below can be fun but can also help tracking. These can be used at the discretion of parents / guardians:

• Tetris
• Dot-to-dot puzzles
• Word search puzzles
• Hidden pictures: Books or worksheets to find hidden objects in intricate scenes, for example. ‘Where’s Wally’.

Coping strategies

If tracking remains difficult, even after trying the above exercises:

• Use larger fonts or high-contrast settings on devices or books to make reading easier.
• Minimize distractions while reading or performing tasks that will require visual tracking.
• Use a guide or marker (like a finger, a pen or ruler) to help keep track of text.

What if I have any problems or questions after reading this leaflet?

Please contact the Orthoptic Department at Russells Hall Hospital on 01384 456111 ext. 3636 (9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

Eye emergency, out of hours

In case of an eye emergency after the closing hours of the Eye Clinic (including weekends and bank holidays), please contact the eye doctor on call by ringing the switchboard at: Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre on 0121 507 4440

The doctor on call is usually based at the Eye Centre, City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham. They may need to call you back, and if necessary, they will arrange for you to visit them.

Note: The information in this booklet is provided for information only. The information found is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care by a qualified doctor or other healthcare professional. Always check with your orthoptist if you have any concerns about your condition or treatment. This is only indicative and general information for the procedure. Individual experiences may vary and all the points may not apply to all patients at all times. Please discuss your individual circumstances with your orthoptist.

We are always happy to answer any questions regarding your child’s treatment. If, after reading this leaflet, you still have concerns or questions, please call the department on 01384 456111 ext. 3636. 

Author: Layla Morris
Specialist Orthoptist

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Visual Tracking Difficulties LM/CS/ST/DP/12 2024 V1 review 09 2027 DGH Ref:DGH/PIL/02230