NYSTAGMUS

Nystagmus, a condition characterized by involuntary and repetitive eye movements, can affect individuals of all ages, impacting vision and overall quality of life. You might notice that sometimes your eyes seem to have a life of their own. They may move up and down, side to side, or even in a circular motion. This condition is known as nystagmus, often referred to as “dancing eyes.” Essentially, it means that you can’t fully control the movements of your eyes.

Causes

Nystagmus, also known as “dancing eyes,” can be a sign of an underlying eye issue or medical condition. It can be present from birth or develop later in life, and its causes can vary widely, including:

Genetic Factors: It may be inherited from your parents.
Eye Conditions: Other eye problems such as cataracts or strabismus can contribute to nystagmus.
Medical Conditions: Diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Meniere’s disease can lead to nystagmus.
Head Injuries: Traumatic head injuries can also trigger nystagmus.
Albinism: Lack of skin pigment can be a contributing factor.
Inner Ear Issues: Problems with the inner ear can cause nystagmus.
Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure drugs, can induce nystagmus.
Substance Use: Alcohol or drug abuse can sometimes lead to nystagmus.

In some cases, the exact cause of nystagmus may not be identified by doctors.

Prevalence

Although precise prevalence rates vary, nystagmus is not uncommon, affecting both children and adults worldwide. Estimates suggest that congenital nystagmus occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births, while acquired nystagmus can develop at any age due to various factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nystagmus often include:

Involuntary Eye Movements: Your eyes move without your control, sometimes alternating between fast and slow movements. This movement typically affects both eyes.
Head Nodding or Positioning: You may find yourself nodding your head or holding it in unusual positions to help focus when you can’t hold your gaze steady.
Visual Changes: Objects may appear blurry, especially in children with nystagmus, though the world doesn’t seem shaky to them. However, adults with nystagmus may perceive the world as moving slightly when looking around.
Visual Challenges: Nystagmus can lead to difficulty seeing in low light or sensitivity to bright light.
Balance and Dizziness: Problems with balance and occasional dizziness can accompany nystagmus, particularly when tired or stressed.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing nystagmus, including genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions (e.g., neurological disorders), exposure to toxins or drugs, and early childhood eye abnormalities.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you or your child may have dancing eyes, it’s essential to visit an eye doctor for a thorough evaluation. The doctor will examine the insides of your eyes, test your vision, and check for other eye problems. Additional tests may include:

Ear Exam: To assess for any inner ear issues that could contribute to nystagmus.
Neurological Exam: To evaluate the nervous system for any abnormalities.
Brain Imaging: This may include a brain MRI or CT scan to rule out any underlying neurological conditions.
Recording Eye Movements: Your doctor may record your eye movements, which can help in diagnosing nystagmus.
Specialized tests such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG) may be conducted to assess eye movements and identify underlying causes.

During the examination, your doctor may ask you to spin around in a chair for about 30 seconds, then stop and attempt to focus on an object. If nystagmus is present, your eyes will initially move slowly in one direction before quickly moving in the opposite direction.

Treatment

If nystagmus develops in adulthood, there are various treatment approaches to manage its effects:

Lifestyle Changes: Simple lifestyle adjustments may be recommended, such as discontinuing certain medications or avoiding alcohol and drugs.
Corrective Lenses: Wearing the appropriate contacts or glasses can improve vision and alleviate other eye issues that may exacerbate nystagmus.
Eye Muscle Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be performed to address head tilt associated with nystagmus. This procedure can also improve vision for some individuals.
Medications: Certain medications may help alleviate symptoms in adults, including gabapentin (Neurontin) for seizures, baclofen (Lioresal) as a muscle relaxant, and onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox).
Refractive Surgeries: For individuals with severe nearsightedness, procedures like LASIK or Visian ICL can improve eyesight. It may be advisable to take relaxation medication before surgery to reduce nystagmus.

It’s important to consult with an eye specialist to determine the most suitable treatment options based on individual circumstances.

Home Care Tips

Living with dancing eyes can present challenges, but there are steps you can take at home to help manage the condition:

Opt for Large Print: Utilize large-print books and increase the font size on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, and phones. Enhanced visibility can aid in reading and reduce eye strain.
Optimize Lighting: Adequate lighting can improve vision. Consider adding more lighting to your home, especially in areas where you frequently read or work.
Encourage Eye Engagement: For children with nystagmus, encourage them to engage with their eyes. Provide large and brightly colored toys that are easy to see and manipulate. Opt for toys with noise and unique textures to stimulate their interest.
Adjust Reading Position: Allow your child to hold books close to their eyes with their head tilted, which may enhance their ability to focus and read comfortably. Additionally, consider allowing them to wear a hat or tinted glasses indoors to reduce glare and enhance visual clarity.
Communicate with Teachers: Talk to your child’s teacher about their condition to facilitate a supportive learning environment. Arrange for accommodations such as providing large-print materials and allowing your child to choose their seating position to optimize visibility of the board and teacher.

Prevention

While nystagmus may not always be preventable, taking steps to maintain overall eye health and promptly addressing any underlying medical conditions can help reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating the condition.

When to See a Doctor

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worsening eye movements, vision disturbances, or any other concerning symptoms suggestive of nystagmus. Early intervention can facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate management.

Outlook/Prognosis

The outlook for individuals with nystagmus varies depending on factors such as the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and response to treatment. While some may experience mild symptoms that are manageable with interventions, others may require ongoing support to optimize visual function and quality of life.

Sources

National Eye Institute.
EyeSmart, American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Medscape
American Nystagmus Network
American Optometric Association