The Non-surgical Management of Ophthalmoplegia

Ophthalmoplegia can result from damage or dysfunction of the supranuclear eye movement pathways, the brainstem internuclear pathways, or the ocular motor nerves. Diplopia and impaired eye movements are commonly associated symptoms. The goal of non-surgical treatment is usually management of symptoms, and the primary tool used is prism. Results of recent studies in the neurorehabilitation literature have suggested that eye muscle exercise may do more than compensate for symptoms of ophthalmoplegia. They may accelerate recovery for those conditions in which recuperation is possible, and restore ocular mobility in chronic and degenerative conditions. A large, randomized, blind study is needed to investigate the efficacy of eye exercises in ophthalmoplegia.