Six Cardinal Fields of Gaze Nursing | Nystagmus Eyes, Cranial Nerve 3,4,6 Test

Six cardinal fields of gaze assessment in nursing, also called the six cardinal positions of gaze, helps us to assess how the six extraocular eye muscles are working. In addition, this assessment allows us to check cranial nerves III, IV, and VI during a neuro assessment, cranial nerve assessment, or head-to-toe assessment.

The eye muscles that the six cardinal fields of gaze will check include the following:

-Superior Rectus
-Superior Oblique
-Lateral Rectus
-Medial Rectus
-Inferior Oblique
-Inferior Rectus

During the assessment, we'll ask the patient to move the eyes in the upper right, lower left, left upper, right lower, and then left to right positions. We're looking for a smooth motion in the eyes as they change direction, which indicates normal movement. If they eyes jerk or shake, that could indicate nystagmus.

Again, this can also be used as a cranial nerves 3, 4, and 6 examination.

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