What is Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary, rapid movement of one or both eyes. It often occurs with vision problems, including blurriness.

This condition is sometimes called “dancing eyes.”

Symptoms of nystagmus

The symptoms include fast, uncontrollable eye movements. The direction of movement determines the type of nystagmus:

• Horizontal nystagmus involves side-to-side eye movements.
• Vertical nystagmus involves up-and-down eye movements.
• Rotary, or torsional, nystagmus involves circular movements.

These movements may occur in one or both eyes depending on the cause.

Types of nystagmus

Nystagmus occurs when the part of the brain or inner ear that regulates eye movement and positioning doesn’t function correctly.

The labyrinth is the outer wall of the inner ear that helps you sense movement and position. It also helps control eye movements. The condition can be either genetic or acquired.

Infantile nystagmus syndrome

Congenital nystagmus is called infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS). It may be an inherited genetic condition. INS typically appears within the first six weeks to three months of a child’s life.

This type of nystagmus is usually mild and isn’t typically caused by an underlying health problem. In rare cases, a congenital eye disease could cause INS. Albinism is one genetic condition associated with INS.

Most people with INS won’t need treatment and don’t have complications later in life. In fact, many people with INS don’t even notice their eye movements. However, vision challenges are common.

Vision problems can range from mild to severe, and many people require corrective lenses or decide to have corrective surgery.

Acquired nystagmus

Acquired, or acute, nystagmus can develop at any stage of life. It often occurs due to injury or disease. Acquired nystagmus typically occurs due to events that affect the labyrinth in the inner ear.

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus include:

• stroke
• certain medications, including sedatives and antiseizure medications like phenytoin (Dilantin)
• excessive alcohol consumption
• head injury or trauma
• diseases of the eye
• diseases of the inner ear
• B-12 or thiamine deficiencies
• brain tumours
• diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis

When to seek treatment for nystagmus

See your doctor if you begin to notice symptoms of nystagmus. Acquired nystagmus always occurs due to an underlying health condition. You’ll want to determine what that condition is and how best to treat it.

How Do You Treat Nystagmus?

If you developed nystagmus as an adult, there may be simple things you can do to lessen its effects. Sometimes you may just have to stop a medicine or quit drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

 Wear the right contacts or glasses to improve vision. It won't cure nystagmus, but it can help with other eye problems that can make it worse.

 Eye muscle surgery may be an option. The goal is to help with the head tilt that often comes with nystagmus. Sometimes surgery improves vision, too.

 Some drugs may ease symptoms in adults but not children. These include the anti-seizure medicine gabapentin (Neurontin), the muscle relaxant baclofen (Lioresal), and onabotulinumtoxina (Botox).

 For people who are very nearsighted, LASIK or Visian ICL can help improve eyesight. The surgeon may advise you to take relaxation medication before the procedure to lessen the nystagmus.

 

 

Tips for Living With Nystagmus

There are things you can do at home to make it easier to deal with your "dancing eyes." Use large-print books and turn up the print size on your computer, tablet, and phone. More lighting may help with vision, too.

 

If your child has nystagmus, encourage them to use their eyes. Big and brightly colored toys are the easiest to use. Choose toys that make noise and have unique textures.

 

Let your child hold books close to their eyes with their head tilted. Let them wear a hat or tinted glasses -- even indoors -- to reduce glare.

 

Talk to your child's teacher to make things easier at school. It would be hard for them to share books or papers. Let them choose where to sit so they can see the board and the teacher.