Nystagmus

Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD on September 19, 2024
Written by Robert Beck
5 min read

Nystagmus is a condition that causes rapid and uncontrollable eye movements. Your eyes may move horizontally, vertically, or in a circular motion. It often leads to blurred vision and can affect one or both eyes.

Your brain coordinates eye movement with the vestibular system in your inner ear to maintain focus. When you move your head, your eyes automatically adjust to keep objects in view. Nystagmus happens when this coordination breaks down, causing involuntary eye movements.

Nystagmus can be caused by many things, such as:

Sometimes, your doctor may not be able to identify the cause.

There are three types of nystagmus:

Congenital. Babies typically begin to show symptoms from 6 weeks to 3 months of age. The eyes usually move side to side in a swinging fashion.

Spasmus nutans. This type usually develops in babies and children aged 6 weeks to 3 years. Symptoms include nodding or tilting of the head. This type of nystagmus usually improves on its own and doesn't require treatment.

Acquired. This form of nystagmus is more common in adults. It can be a symptom of a medical condition affecting your brain, eyes, or ears. Sometimes, it’s the result of alcohol or drug use.

There are two types of eye movement with nystagmus: 

Pendular nystagmus. The eyes swing back and forth like a pendulum, equally in both directions.

Jerk nystagmus. This type is more common, where your eyes move steadily in one direction, then jerk back the opposite way.

You may have a combination of the two. Your eyes could move in any of these directions:

  • Horizontal (side to side)
  • Vertical (up and down)
  • Rotary (circular motion)

The main symptom is that you can't control your eye movements. This usually happens in both eyes. Other symptoms include:

  • Blurry or shaky vision
  • Nodding your head or keeping it in unusual positions to help you focus 
  • Trouble seeing in the dark
  • Sensitivity to bright light
  • Balance problems 
  • D izziness

If you think you or your child may have symptoms of nystagmus, see your doctor. They’ll refer you to the proper specialists for a diagnosis, which may include an eye doctor, a neurologist, or a neuro-ophthalmologist.

You might get a variety of tests. Some of these may be to help your doctor rule out other conditions that could be causing your issues. These tests include:

If another health condition causes your nystagmus, treating that condition can help treat the nystagmus. There also may be simple things you can do to lessen its effects. Sometimes, you may just have to stop a medicine (with your doctor's guidance) or quit drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

For both adults and children, contact lenses and glasses can help. They won't cure nystagmus, but they can help improve your vision.

Eye muscle surgery may be an option. The goal is to help with the head tilt that often comes with nystagmus. Sometimes, surgery improves vision, too. If you are nearsighted, laser vision correction surgery, such as LASIK, may help improve your eyesight.

Some drugs may ease symptoms in adults but not in children. These include the anti-seizure medicine gabapentin (Neurontin), the muscle relaxant baclofen (Lioresal), and onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox).

 

There are things you can do at home to make it easier to manage nystagmus symptoms:

  • Use large-print books and turn up the print size on your computer, tablet, and phone. 
  • Take frequent breaks when reading or working at the computer. This may help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
  • Get brighter lighting to help with vision.
  • Get plenty of sleep and reduce your stress, as these things can worsen your vision problems.

Supporting a child with nystagmus

If your child has nystagmus, there are ways to help manage it:

  • Choose big and brightly colored toys that make noise or have unique textures.
  • Let your child hold books close to their eyes with their head tilted.
  • Have them wear a hat or tinted glasses -- even indoors -- to reduce glare.
  • Play games that require them to track movement with their eyes.
  • Talk to the teacher about your child's needs, including seating arrangements or visual aids, which can help make things easier for them at school.

Nystagmus can make everyday tasks such as reading or driving difficult, but there are ways to help improve your quality of life. Prompt diagnosis is important; it will help your doctor determine the best treatment plan for you or your child. Remember that you don’t have to go it alone; you can reach out to support groups in your community.

What causes nystagmus in children?

Nystagmus is often inherited, but sometimes, its cause is unknown. Eye problems such as cataracts or medical issues such as albinism may also lead to nystagmus.

Does nystagmus cause rolling eyes?

Yes, the symptoms of nystagmus include rapid, uncontrollable movements in one or both eyes. Your eyes may move side to side or up and down.

What are the home remedies for nystagmus?

Bright lighting and larger print sizes are just a couple of ways to better manage nystagmus. Reaching out to support groups can also help you deal with it.

What does it mean when your left eye jumps?

Nystagmus is just one of several conditions that can lead to involuntary, repetitive eye jerking.

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