Purpose:Abnormal head posture (AHP) of ocular origin is a postural adaptation, also referred to as ocular torticollis, which occurs as a result of paresis or paralysis of the extraocular musculature. Binocular vision anomalies or visual disturbances can also establish AHP, which is intended to maintain single binocular vision. In the presence of a suspected or confirmed imbalance of the visual system, healthcare professionals from various disciplines, who are involved in postural assessment and rehabilitation, may request an assessment from the optometrist to determine whether or not the AHP is of ocular origin.

Methods:This review article examined the existing literature using electronic databases: PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar

Results:AHP can result from a variety of oculomotor disorders and be caused by eye-related or unrelated diseases. An estimated 1.1% of patients in ophthalmology clinics suffer from AHP, with 18% to 23% of cases having an ocular origin. The optometrist must first differentiate, through in-depth ocular examinations, between AHP of ocular or non-ocular origin, excluding other potential postural causes (orthopedic and neurological).

Conclusion:Understanding the distinction between ocular and non-ocular causes of AHP is essential for effective management. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, especially in posturology, is necessary to improve clinical outcomes. Establishing clear communication protocols will facilitate integrated management strategies. Promoting dialogue and continuous professional development is also important to meet the diverse needs of patients.

Keywords:abnormal head posture, AHP of ocular origin, ocular torticollis, postural analysis, abnormal posture, posturology, strabismus, and anomalies of binocular vision.