Nystagmus Treatment

Nystagmus is a condition characterized by jittery, unintentional movements of the eyes. It is often associated with a decline in vision and can be caused by medications, neurological disorders and excessive consumption of alcohol. Although in some cases there is no effective cure for the condition, treatment involves preventative measures and determining the underlying cause of the movements.

Causes and Symptoms

• Nystagmus has a wide variety of possible causes. For children and infants, nystagmus occurs as a side effect of another condition and often improves over time. In some cases, it also can be an inherited condition. For adults, many cases of nystagmus occur as a result of a neurological disorder or traumatic injury to the head. Other possible causes include medications such as Dilantin and phenobarbital, which are used to treat seizures.

  The symptoms of nystagmus depend on the circumstances under which the condition occurs. In children, the condition is commonly known as pendular nystagmus, characterized by an even pendular motion of the eyes. Nystagmus that arises later in life is typically characterized by visual movement associated with movement of the eyes. This is known as oscillopsia. Other symptoms include a more directional movement, with the eye moving in one direction and quickly moving back, a lack of balance and vision impairment.

Treatment

• The primary method of treating nystagmus is through the identification of the underlying cause, if any. In some cases, your eye movements may subside if the underlying cause is properly treated. Sometimes nystagmus can be improved through the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. For some people, the null position, which is a position of the head in which vision may be temporarily improved, may prove helpful. Although the null position can help correct the nystagmus, the position in which the head is placed to do so may significantly impair your life and be uncomfortable. As a result, prisms in your eyeglasses may be utilized to help improve the null position and prevent discomfort.

  Other possible methods of treating your nystagmus include surgery of the eye muscles and injections of Botox or botulinum toxin to paralyze the ocular muscles and thus decrease the severity of the eye movements. These aren't used very often due to their temporary effect and the need to have the injections every three or four months.

  In some cases, counseling can help with the psychologically damaging aspects of nystagmus and its associated problems, such as the continued need for a null position to help improve your vision. This is especially helpful for children, who may need help with reading and new social situations.