Types of Nystagmus

Nystagmus is a medical condition that involves an involuntary wobbling or shaking of the eyes. The various types of nystagmus have numerous symptoms and causes, although the most common source of nystagmus is hereditary.

Early Onset Nystagmus

• Nystagmus that accompanies blindness sometimes occurs shortly after birth and may be one of the first signs of a child's lost eyesight. In many cases, nystagmus accompanies ocular problems related to albinism, premature birth or other abnormalities in development. Most cases of early onset nystagmus are hereditary and the effects will sometimes lessen with age.

Nystagmus in Adults

• Nystagmus that appears in adults is generally the result of a brain tumor, a traumatic head injury or multiple sclerosis. If an adult develops nystagmus, a doctor or specialist should be consulted as to what the cause could be. Nystagmus in adults is usually directional nystagmus.

Pendular Nystagmus

• Pendular nystagmus is most common in early childhood nystagmus. When pendular nystagmus occurs, the eyes will rotate back and forth across the field of vision in the manner of a pendulum. Pendular nystagmus tends to be more wobbly than jerky, and can cause the eyes to move both horizontally and perpendicularly.

Directional Nystagmus

• In adults, the most common type of nystagmus is directional, meaning that the eyes will slowly move in one direction and then move quickly back. Directional nystagmus is a jerkier form of nystagmus and can be either horizontal or perpendicular in nature.

Causes and Treatment

• Certain seizure medications can cause nystagmus, as can the use of recreational drugs, although it is more commonly caused by genetic inheritance. Injury, tumors and certain neurological diseases can also lead to the development of nystagmus, particularly later on in life. Very rarely will a case of nystagmus have no known or discoverable cause.

  Nystagmus can sometimes be cured if the cause is removed, as in instances where it is caused by a specific medication or a tumor. However, most forms of nystagmus are permanent and can only be modified slightly with the use of specially made eyeglasses.