Nystagmus is a condition where a person’s eyes move quickly and without control. About two out of every 1,000 people have it. The eyes might move side to side, up and down, or in circles, and the movements can be smooth or jerky.
How serious it is can vary from person to person. For some, it only lasts a short time, but for others, it can be permanent, depending on the cause.
People sometimes call it “dancing eyes”.
Will nystagmus affect my daily life?
Nystagmus affects each person differently. It can make daily tasks harder, especially ones that need good depth perception or clear vision, like reading and playing sports. You can use adaptive strategies, techniques, and technology to minimise the impact nystagmus has.
Is nystagmus always noticeable?
The symptoms can be mild or severe. Some people have symptoms so mild they’re hard to notice, while others have clear symptoms that can badly affect their vision and balance.
Types of nystagmus
There are two main types of nystagmus.
Congenital/Infantile – This condition is usually present at birth or in the first few months of life. It is often caused by genes, problems with the retina, or how the eyes develop. Sometimes, there is no clear cause, which is called idiopathic. It can also happen with other conditions like albinism, retinal dystrophies, or optic nerve issues.
Acquired – This develops later in life. It can happen because of neurological conditions, head injuries, inner ear issues, and rarely, medications or substance use.
What causes nystagmus?
Congenital nystagmus can be associated with other conditions including congenital cataracts and albinism. It can also happen if the eyes, or the parts of the brain that control vision, eye movement, or focus, don’t develop properly. Some children get the condition without any of these problems. In some cases, it can run in families.
Acquired nystagmus can happen because of neurological disorders, head injuries, or sometimes certain medications. It can also rarely be caused by alcohol and drug use.
Common symptoms
Nystagmus often happens with other conditions such as sensitivity to light (photophobia) and misalignment of the eyes (strabismus). People may also experience challenges with depth perception, low-light conditions, and distance. Some people may have a null point or zone, a specific head position where the eye movements slow.
Some people with this condition may have oscillopsia. This means that objects around them seem to move or shake, even when they are still. This may cause vertigo.
Signs of nystagmus, including eye movements, may worsen with stress, fatigue, sickness, upset, or hunger.
How is nystagmus diagnosed?
An eye care professional will carry out a full eye examination. This may include an optokinetic test. This test checks how well you can follow something with your eyes without moving your head. They will assess eye movement, how clear your vision is, and other symptoms to come to a diagnosis.
A neurologist or other health professional may order further tests if necessary.
Can nystagmus be cured?
There is no cure for the condition, but it can be managed. Techniques include surgeries to fix head posture. Assistive tools like glasses, contact lenses, or magnifiers can also help.
Some people with nystagmus have a null point or zone, which is a specific head position that reduces eye movements. For some, surgery on muscles around the eye may be considered to reduce how much they turn their head. In specific cases, medications may also be trialled.
Some people who are also short or long-sighted may find wearing glasses or contact lenses helpful. Contact lenses may be particularly helpful. They move with your eye, meaning you are always looking through the centre of the lens, where the prescription is always correct. Contacts may also slow eye movements, however, they aren’t appropriate for everyone.
Regular eye checks are advised to watch for any changes in your vision or other signs of problems.
Support and Empowerment
Blind Low Vision NZ provides a range of support for people with nystagmus and vision loss. This includes information and advice to help you understand and manage the condition. It also offers training in mobility, daily living skills, and using adaptive technology.
To learn more about the support we can offer, call our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33. You can also visit the Our Services page on our website.
School-aged children and their caregivers can visit Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ). They offer support for education, emotional needs, and mobility. Call 0800 BLENNZ or email info@blennz.org.nz for further details.
For more information about nystagmus from the UK, visit RNIB’s website.
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