The forced duction test is performed in order to determine whether the absence of movement of the eye is due to a neurological disorder or a mechanical restriction.
The anesthetized conjunctiva is grasped with forceps and an attempt is made to move the eyeball in the direction where the movement is restricted. If a mechanical restriction is present, it will not be possible to induce a passive movement of the eyeball.
Notes
↑Kanski, JJ. Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systematic Approach. Boston:Butterworth-Heinemann;1989.
↑Kunimoto D, Kanitkar K & Makar M. The Wills Eye Manual. Office and Emergency Room Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Disease. Fourth Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004