Nystagmus

Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements, often resulting in reduced vision. These involuntary eye movements can occur from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern. As a result, both eyes are unable to hold steady on objects being viewed.

Nystagmus may be accompanied by unusual head positions and head nodding in an attempt to compensate for the condition.

It can be inherited and appear in early childhood or develop later in life due to an accident or illness. Generally, nystagmus is a symptom of some other underlying eye or medical problem. However, the exact cause is often unknown.

Persons with nystagmus may experience reduced visual acuity.

There are many causes of nystagmus including :

·      Lack of development of normal eye movement control early in life

·      Albinism

·      Very high refractive error, e.g. nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism

·      Congenital cataracts

Unfortunately, Nystagmus cannot be cured. While eyeglasses and contact lenses can help to correct other vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, they do not correct nystagmus. However, treatment for other underlying eye or medical problems may help to improve or reduce nystagmus.

For more details about nystagmus, you can read the original article on American Optometric Association.

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