Family Focus Eye Care’s COVID-19 Response: In order to protect our team members and patients we have made several policy changes related to the COVID-19 crisis. As eye care professionals, we are dedicated to providing our patients with a safe environment for quality care. Read More

Close
×

Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
  • Phone

    (920) 922-7121

    Call To Action
Family Focus Eye Care Logo
Menu
  • Home
  • Our Practice
    • Meet Your Eye Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Testimonials
    • Community Content
      • Eyeglasses
      • Basic Visual Skills
      • All About Eyes
      • Protecting Your Eyes
      • Visual Rehabilitation
      • Pediatric Vision Issues
      • Glasses
      • Contact Lenses
      • Common Eye Conditions
        • Vision Impairment
        • Eye Lids
        • Changes in Appearance
        • Injury & Irritation
        • Age-Related
        • Cognitive and Acquired
      • Vision Problems
      • Eye Symptoms
      • Eye Diseases
      • A Child's Vision
      • What is Vision Therapy
      • Vision Therapy Programs
      • We Can Help With
        • Cataracts
        • Corneal Disorders
          • Disorders
        • Glaucoma
        • Refractive Disorders
        • Adult Strabismus
        • Retinal Disorders
      • Newsletters
        • Glasses & Frames
        • Contacts
        • Tips for Healthy Eyes
        • Conditions That Affect Vision
        • Kid's Vision
        • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
        • Medical Perspectives
    • Internal Access Only
      • Email
      • Patient Forms
  • Services
    • Eye and Vision Exams
    • Contact lenses
    • Contact Lens Training
    • Low Vision
    • Hard to Fit Contacts
    • Lasik Eye Surgery
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sports Vision
    • Sunglasses
    • Frames
  • Patient Portal
  • New Patients
    • Insurance & Payments
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Order Contacts
  • Specials
  • COVID-19 Response

Nystagmus

  • Created in Common Eye Conditions, Cognitive and Acquired
Close up image of an elderly man's face.

Nystagmus is a vision condition characterized by repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements. These involuntary eye movements may be side-to-side, up and down, or in a circular pattern, which hinders the eyes’ ability to focus on a steady object. Individuals with nystagmus may hold their heads in unusual positions or nod their heads in an effort to compensate for these vision obstructions. Nystagmus that develops in childhood is typically inherited; if this condition develops later in life, it may be due to an accident injury. In some cases, however, the exact cause for nystagmus is not fully known.

Types of Nystagmus

Forms of nystagmus include congenital nystagmus and acquired nystagmus. Congenital typically develops between two and three months of age. Eyes appear to move in a horizontal swing fashion. Congenital nystagmus is associated with conditions like undeveloped optic nerves, albinism, congenital cataracts, and the congenital absences of the iris.

Acquired nystagmus generally occurs in adulthood. While the cause is typically not know, this condition may be triggered by central nervous system issues due to alcohol or drug toxicity, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or a blow to the head.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A comprehensive eye exam is necessary to diagnose nystagmus. An eye care professional will first study a patient’s history to determine whether environmental factors, general health problems, or medications could be causing any of the symptoms the patient is experiencing. Next, visual acuity measurements will be taken to assess the extent to which vision has been compromised. These tests will help determine the appropriate refractive lens necessary to compensate for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Finally, tests will be done to determine how the eyes work together to move in unison and focus on a single object.

While there is no “cure” for nystagmus, treatment options are available to help correct other vision problems that may be associated with this condition. Depending on the type of nystagmus, it is also possible that the condition will spontaneously correct itself. In extremely rare cases, surgery may be performed to alter the position of the muscles that move the eye. However, lifestyle changes such as using large-print books, increased lighting, and magnifying devices are generally the preferred treatment methods.