What nystagmus is
Nystagmus is a condition in which the eyes make involuntary movements, which is why it is also known as wobbly eyes or dancing eyes. It affects people of all ages and can be present from birth or develop later in life.
Main types
Jerk nystagmus. The most common type. The eyes drift slowly to one side and then jerk back in the opposite direction.
Pendular nystagmus. As the name suggests, the eyes swing back and forth like a pendulum.
Causes and symptoms
Nystagmus can be caused by another medical condition, such as a disease of the brain or spinal cord, stroke, inner ear disease, a retinal disorder, cataract, strabismus, head trauma or a congenital condition.
One of the most common symptoms is the feeling that the world is moving when it is not. Other signs to look out for:
- Uncontrollable eye movements that are up-and-down (vertical), side-to-side (horizontal) or circular (rotary)
- Poor balance and coordination that affect daily activities
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light
- Shaky vision
- Tilting the head to focus on something
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
Treatment options
Management and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation gives you guidance on improving your functional vision with aids such as magnifiers and tilted reading boards. It is not intended to make the nystagmus disappear.
Glasses or contact lenses
Improving your vision with glasses or contact lenses may slow the uncontrolled movement of the eyes.
Surgery
Eye muscle surgery can reduce nystagmus. The surgeon repositions the eye muscles to limit the rapid movements. This does not mean the nystagmus will go away; the goal is to reduce its effect on your daily activities.
Limitations
There is no treatment that reliably removes nystagmus. Management, optical correction and surgery aim to reduce its impact, and the result varies from person to person. Where the nystagmus is acquired and caused by another condition, treating that condition is the priority.
Nystagmus assessment at Spanish Eye Clinic
Spanish Eye Clinic in Dubai has eye surgeons and staff experienced in nystagmus, and uses current equipment to assess it. We guide patients from consultation through to post-treatment follow-up. If you have questions about nystagmus or need help with its symptoms, call us or book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does nystagmus last?
- Depending on the cause and severity, the movements may last only a few seconds or may be permanent. Either way, see a doctor for an examination. Nystagmus can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a disease of the brain, so getting the right diagnosis is important.
- Can nystagmus be treated?
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms, but this does not remove the condition. Apart from surgery in selected cases, there is no treatment that removes the nystagmus itself. If acquired nystagmus is caused by another medical condition, the eye movements may settle once that condition is treated.