Yardstick and Pins
Purpose: To develop peripheral awareness with physiological diplopia
Apparatus: Yardstick, two hat pins, metronome
Method:
Phase I
1. The yardstick, with hat pins placed at 35″ and 20″, is held by the patient so that it projects outward from his nose. He should be standing in good posture.
2. The patient is instructed to stare at one pin and be aware of seeing two of the other pin (physiological diplopia).
3. Maintain fixation for 10 seconds while attempting to clear the double image.
4. Reverse the fixation, from one pin to the other, every 10 seconds.
5. As this ability improves, move the nearer pin closer, an inch at a time, but no more than one inch a day, until the final pin positions are 35″ and 4″.
Phase II
1. With the pins placed at 14″ and 16″, the patient is asked to fixate on one pin and be aware of three images for one minute, timed by a metronome.
2. Alternate fixation from one pin to the other each minute.
3. Repeat this activity in all possible positions of gaze.
4. Repeat with pins placed at 12″ and 14″, 10″ and 12″, etc., up to 6″ and 8″. At these closer distances try to hold the fixation for 15 to 20 seconds.
Aspects to be Emphasized:
1. Improved ability to sustain the double image clearly.
2. As performance progresses, repeat these procedures while the patient is walking about.
