Nystagmus

Nystagmus Treatment: Help for

Nystagmus, sometimes called “dancing eyes” is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements often result in reduced vision and depth perception and can affect balance and coordination. These involuntary eye movements can occur from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern.

​​​​​​​There are two types of nystagmus: congenital and acquired.
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Congenital nystagmus

This type of nystagmus starts in infants, usually between 6 weeks and 3 months old. Children with this condition tend to have it in both eyes, which move side to side. Usually doctors do not know what is causing the child’s condition. Sometimes it is inherited (passed down from parents to children).

Children with nystagmus typically do not see things as “shaking.” Instead, they may have some blurry vision.

Acquired nystagmus

This condition happens later in life. It has many causes, including serious medical conditions or drug and alcohol use.

​​​​​​​Unlike children with congenital nystagmus, adults with nystagmus often say that things around them look shaky.

Nystagmus Symptoms

The main symptom of nystagmus is rapid eye movement that cannot be controlled. Usually the movement is side to side. It can also be up and down or circular. The movement can vary between slow and fast, and it usually happens in both eyes.


​​​​​​​In addition to rapid eye movement, nystagmus symptoms include:

  • sensitivity to light

  • dizziness

  • difficulty seeing in the dark

  • vision problems

  • holding the head in a turned or tilted position

  • the feeling that the world is shaking

FAQs

How do you treat nystagmus?​​​​​​​

Contacts or glasses can improve vision in a patient with nystagmus. It’s not curative, however it can correct some of the symptoms from getting 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.

What are some 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 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.