Extraocular muscles
Extraocular muscles are the muscles that move the eyes, and an extraocular muscle test, or EOM, is an eye exam that evaluates their function:
What they are
The extraocular muscles include the recti muscles, which move in a straight line, and the oblique muscles, which move in an angular way.
How they are tested
During an EOM, a health care provider will ask you to follow an object with your eyes while keeping your head still. The provider may also cover one eye while you look at a distant object, then uncover it after a few seconds.
What they do
The extraocular muscles allow you to move your eyes in many directions, including up, down, left, right, and diagonally