Embodiments distinguish among user interface elements based on head orientation. Coordinates representing a set of at least three reference points in an image of a subject gazing on the user interface elements are received by a computing device. The set includes a first reference point and a second reference point located on opposite sides of a third reference point. A first distance between the first reference point and the third reference point is determined. A second distance between the second reference point and the third reference point is determined. The computing device compares the first distance to the second distance to calculate a head orientation value. The computing device selects at least one of the user interface elements based on the head orientation value. In some embodiments, the head orientation value enables the user to navigate a user interface menu or control a character in a game.