An optical pointing device and a control method thereof are provided. The optical pointing device includes: an illumination unit for illuminating light on a working surface, and generating light in a predetermined code in response to a code signal; a control unit for detecting an image on the working surface to calculate a movement value, outputting movement information in response to an input signal inputted from the outside and the calculated movement value, intermittently outputting a code generation signal, and turning off the illumination unit when the optical pointing device is separated from the working surface in response to a determination signal; and a determination unit for outputting the code signal in response to the code generation signal, detecting light in the predetermined code to thus determine whether or not the optical pointing device is separated from the working surface, and outputting the determination signal depending on the determination result. Therefore, a glaring phenomenon generated when the optical pointing device is turned upside down can be prevented, and unnecessary power consumption can also be prevented.