The application of computer technology to reading research has made it possible to study the perceptual processes that take place as people read with a level of precision never before attainable. This computer assisted research has revealed that where the eyes go for fixations is of significance to normal reading and that during each fixation only a word or two is being read. In addition, it has shown that when during the fixation a word is perceived the length of fixation varies, probably depending upon when the mind is ready to deal with that information. Eye movement research techniques are likely to be useful in studying higher mental processes occurring during reading and will probably be important in the future for diagnosing specific reading difficulties. (FL)