How should a patient's eyes behave during an assessment?

During an assessment, a patient's eyes should move in unison. This means that both eyes should track together when following a moving object or when assessing their response to light. Coordinated eye movements indicate that the neurological functions governing eye movement are intact and that there is no underlying issue affecting coordination between the two eyes.

When eyes function independently, it might suggest a problem such as strabismus or neurological impairment, which can affect a patient's overall health assessment. Rapid eye movements can indicate a response to stimuli, but if they are not coordinated, it might signal a need for further evaluation. Similarly, eyes that react with a noticeable delay could suggest neurological issues or other health concerns that need to be addressed. Thus, during a proper assessment, synchronized movement of the eyes is a normal and expected response, reflecting healthy ocular and neurological function.