Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes. It can be present from infancy or acquired later in life and may cause reduced visual acuity or oscillopsia (the sensation that the world is moving).
Types
Infantile nystagmus often appears in the first months of life and may be associated with other visual pathway abnormalities. Acquired nystagmus in adults can result from neurological disease, vestibular disorders, or drug side effects.
- Movements may be horizontal, vertical, or rotary
- Some patients adopt a head position that reduces the movement (‘null point’)
- Severity and impact on vision vary widely
Assessment and Management
Evaluation includes detailed ocular and neurological examination, imaging, and sometimes electrophysiology. Treatment focuses on maximising vision with glasses or contact lenses, addressing underlying causes, and in some cases using prisms, medication, or surgery.
Further Information
Blue Fin Vision®’s resources on childhood vision and neurological eye disease help explain how conditions such as nystagmus are investigated and monitored over time.
