NYSTAGMUS

Nystagmus most commonly causes the eyes to look involuntarily from side to side in a rapid, swinging motion rather than staying fixed on an object or person. Some nystagmuses, however, cause the eyes to jerk sideways or up and down.

Nystagmus is usually infantile, meaning people have it from a very early age. Experts say that about one child out of every several thousand has nystagmus. Different kinds of nystagmus include:

Congenital nystagmus is present at birth. With this condition, your eyes move together as they oscillate (swing like a pendulum). Most other types of infantile nystagmus are also classified as forms of strabismus, which means the eyes don't necessarily work together at all times.

Nystagmus usually is discovered at a very young age.

Manifest nystagmus is present at all times, whereas latent nystagmus occurs when one eye is covered. Manifest-latent nystagmus is continually present, but worsens when one eye is covered.

Acquired nystagmus can be caused by a disease (multiple sclerosis, brain tumor), an accident (head injury), or a neurological problem (side effect of a medication). Hyperventilation, a flashing light in front of one eye, nicotine and even vibrations have been known to cause nystagmus in rare cases. Some acquired nystagmuses can be treated with medications or surgeries.

Nystagmus Causes, Symptoms and Challenges

As mentioned above, most people with nystagmus are born with the condition or develop it early in life. Unless induced by trauma or disease, nystagmus almost always is caused by neurological problems.

The two basic types of nystagmus are:

All forms of nystagmus are involuntary, meaning people with the condition cannot control their eyes. Nystagmus improves slightly as a person reaches adulthood; however, it worsens with tiredness and stress.

Having nystagmus affects both vision and self-concept. Most people with nystagmus have some sort of vision limitations because the eyes continually sweep over what they are viewing, making it impossible to obtain a clear image. Some people with nystagmus have so many vision problems that they can be considered legally blind.

If you have nystagmus, not only is your appearance affected, but you literally see in a way that is different from people who don't have the condition. Your eyes are in constant motion. To see better, you may need to turn your head and lock your eyes into what's called the "null point." This is a certain head angle that makes the eyes move the least, stabilizing the image for better vision.

When you have nystagmus, you must deal with the personal and social consequences of this difference. Nystagmus can affect nearly every aspect of your life, including how you relate to other people, your educational and work opportunities and your self-image.

Can Nystagmus Be Treated?

Children with nystagmus may need extra help in learning to adapt to schoolwork and social situations.

Several medical and surgical treatments that sometimes help people with nystagmus are available. Surgery usually reduces the null positions, lessening head tilt and improving cosmetic appearance.

Drugs such as Botox or Baclofen can reduce some nystagmic movements, although results are usually temporary. Some people with nystagmus have benefited from biofeedback training.

If you have nystagmus, make sure you undergo regular eye exams so you can be monitored for both health and vision issues.