Oscillopsia is the disturbing illusion that the visual world is moving or bouncing, usually due to abnormal eye movements or impaired gaze stabilisation. It often accompanies acquired nystagmus or vestibular disorders.
Symptoms and causes
People may struggle with reading or walking.
- Sensation of objects wobbling, especially with head movement
- Common causes include vestibular loss, cerebellar disease, and some forms of nystagmus
- May be constant or triggered by particular directions of gaze
- Associated imbalance or dizziness in vestibular conditions
Management
Treatment targets the underlying disorder and symptom relief.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy for peripheral vestibular causes
- Medications such as gabapentin, baclofen, or memantine for certain nystagmus types
- Prisms, head posture adjustments, or surgery in selected ocular motor disorders
- Low-vision and occupational therapy support for persistent disability
