What is nystagmus?
Nystagmus, or ‘dancing eyes’, is the involuntary movement of the eyes. It usually looks like the eyes are constantly moving (jerk nystagmus), either side to side, up and down (pendular nystagmus), in a circle or a combination of all three (mixed nystagmus). Nystagmus can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired).
Types of nystagmus
There are two main types of nystagmus: congenital and acquired.
Congenital nystagmus
Also known as infantile nystagmus, this develops very early in childhood, typically in the first few months after they’re born. This usually happens when the part of the brain that controls eye movement doesn’t develop properly. Nystagmus often is present in patients with Albinism.
Acquired nystagmus
This type develops later in life, usually in adults. This can happen as a result of damage to the area in the brain responsible for eye movement.
Congenital nystagmus
Also known as infantile nystagmus, this develops very early in childhood, typically in the first few months after they’re born. This usually happens when the part of the brain that controls eye movement doesn’t develop properly. Nystagmus often is present in patients with Albinism.
Acquired nystagmus
This type develops later in life, usually in adults. This can happen as a result of damage to the area in the brain responsible for eye movement.
Nystagmus symptoms
Symptoms of nystagmus can vary from person to person, depending on the type they have and its underlying cause. Symptoms include:
- Involuntary eye movements, which may be rhythmic or irregular
- Blurred or reduced vision, particularly when the eyes are moving
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or difficulty focusing
Some people will only have very slight eye movement that isn’t always as obvious to spot and doesn’t affect their vision. While others will find that their vision is reduced, or that depth perception is trickier.
Nystagmus treatment
There’s no cure for nystagmus at the moment, but some of its underlying conditions can often be treated. It’s mostly about learning to cope with its effects.
Prescription glasses and contact lenses
Some people with nystagmus often experience reduced vision, which can be treated with glasses or contact lenses. Many people find that contact lenses are more helpful for nystagmus, as they move with your eyes, so you’re always getting the best vision. Whereas glasses require you to look through the middle of the lenses for clear vision, which isn’t always possible with certain nystagmus eye movements.
Surgery
Some children find that holding their head in a certain position, where the nystagmus is minimal, helps them to see better, which is known as a ‘null zone’. Surgery can sometimes be an option to change the position of the muscles that move the eye, reducing the need to move the head as much to get to the null zone.
Medication
Some cases of acquired nystagmus might benefit from certain medications to help control eye movements and reduce the effects of oscillopsia (the feeling that the environment around you is constantly moving).
Prescription glasses and contact lenses
Some people with nystagmus often experience reduced vision, which can be treated with glasses or contact lenses. Many people find that contact lenses are more helpful for nystagmus, as they move with your eyes, so you’re always getting the best vision. Whereas glasses require you to look through the middle of the lenses for clear vision, which isn’t always possible with certain nystagmus eye movements.
Surgery
Some children find that holding their head in a certain position, where the nystagmus is minimal, helps them to see better, which is known as a ‘null zone’. Surgery can sometimes be an option to change the position of the muscles that move the eye, reducing the need to move the head as much to get to the null zone.
Medication
Some cases of acquired nystagmus might benefit from certain medications to help control eye movements and reduce the effects of oscillopsia (the feeling that the environment around you is constantly moving).
