Nystagmus is a relatively common clinical condition, affecting one in several thousand people. Nystagmus causes patient’s eyes to shift constantly, leaving with double vision and no depth perception. Those who are suffered from this type of eye related problem find difficulties in seeing far subjects becaused of reduced or limited vision.
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Congenital nystagmus may accompany other symptoms affecting the head, eyes or vision including:
- Absence of the iris
- Cataracts
- Head nodding
- Incomplete development of the optic nerve
- Lack of pigmentation in the skin and eyes (albinism)
Acquired nystagmus may accompany other symptoms affecting the head, eyes or vision including:
- Head nodding
- Headache
- Loss of muscle coordination
- Loss of visual acuity
Nystagmus is often a permanent condition. Its severity may be reduced through different treatments. Improving vision with spectacles or contact lenses is an important part of treating nystagmus.
Surgery on the eye muscles may be appropriate for some people with nystagmus. The goal of the surgery is to alleviate a significantly abnormal head position or to ease the severity of the nystagmus. While the surgery may improve vision, it does not totally eliminate nystagmus.
Medications have been used to lessen the severity of nystagmus, but their use is often limited because of the side effects they cause. Injections of botulinum toxin may be helpful for some individuals who experience severe shakiness in their vision.