We will assume a case where 42 degrees is required to enable the
patient to first see the red streak as produced by the Maddox rod to
the extreme left. Through a continued gradual reduction of 4 degrees
(or to 38 degrees), we next learn that the streak was carried over
until it bisected the white spot of light, giving single binocular
vision and producing a position of rest.
[Illustration: Fig. 28—Simplified chart showing the prism action
employed in developing a weak ocular muscle through alternating prism
exercise. Either side of 38° in excess of 4° causing diplopia.]
The patient has now established the limitation of the exercise, which
is four degrees, this limitation being determined by the difference
between the point where the streak was first seen to the extreme side
and where it bisected the spot. The same amount of four degrees should
then be used for the opposite side, thus reducing the prism strength to
34 degrees.
This again produces diplopia, because of the lesser amount of prism
power employed to give single binocular vision. The refractionist
should then return to 38 degrees, where single binocular vision had
originally been determined (Fig. 28), alternating back to 42, returning
to 38, over to 34, back to 38, and so on. This procedure should be
employed once a day just after meals for about five minutes, and
repeated ten times, constantly striving for a slight reduction of prism
power from day to day.
EFFECT OF MUSCULAR EXERCISE
This muscular treatment, or constructive exercising, should enable the
patient to overcome his amount of four degrees in either direction in
about a week. Hence in the case showing 38 degrees for single binocular
vision, results may be looked for in about nine weeks—four degrees
divided into 38 degrees. While the patient is undergoing the treatment,
which is nothing more than the strengthening of the interni muscles
or developing adduction, it is natural to believe that the amount of
imbalance is likewise being conquered. This, however, is readily
determined from time to time by making the binocular muscle test with
the phorometer and Maddox rod, as well as the duction chart test (Fig.
24), as previously outlined.
To fully appreciate the effect of this muscular treatment, the reader
need only hold his head in a stationary position, casting his eyes
several times from the extreme right to the extreme left, not failing
to note the apparent muscular strain. On the other hand, with the
aid of the Ski-optometer’s rotating prisms, the refractionist not
only has complete control of the patient’s muscles at all times, but
scientifically accomplishes muscular exercise without any tiresome
strain, overcoming all possible exertion.
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