Eyes which have uncontrolled or involuntary movements up and down, in a circular manner or from side to side, are called as nystagmus eyes. Such eyes have swinging motion and do not stay fixed on any object. Nystagmus is a congenital disorder which is present in people from their birth. Some people acquire this disorder due to several factors.
Causes of Nystagmus Eyes
- There are no certain causes of nystagmus eyes in children.
- This disorder may be due to manifestation of eye diseases like aniridia, glaucoma, congenital cataracts, albinism, optic nerve hypoplasia, achromatopsia, retinopathy of prematurity or coloboma.
- Some people acquire this disorder due to multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, head injury or any other neurological dysfunction.
- Apart from causes like alcohol intoxication, stroke, medications or drugs, even Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis or other illnesses may also cause nystagmus.
- Acquired nystagmus and congenital nystagmus can be of other different forms such as manifest nystagmus, manifest-latent nystagmus and latent nystagmus. Manifest nystagmus is present all the time whereas latent nystagmus is seen when the eye is covered. Manifest-latent nystagmus is also present all the time.
Treatment for Nystagmus Eyes
- People suffering from this disorder, may have other vision problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism.
- Use of contact lenses or glasses is prescribed to overcome such problem. It is found that use of contact lenses is better than eyeglasses.
- It improves the vision by moving the lens center with the eyes. This is not possible with the glasses.
- Surgery also can treat nystagmus eyes. In this surgery procedure, alteration of eye muscles is done that control the eyes which helps in reducing the null positions. Surgery also improves cosmetic appearance. Medications also can reduce nystagmus.
- Children suffering from this disorder are suggested to play games which help to improve their hand and eye coordination.
