Yes, nystagmus can impair vision. Nystagmus is when the eyes move in a rapid repeated motion, often in the pattern of up and down, side to side, or in a circular motion. Because the eyes are always moving, it can be difficult to focus and vision can become blurred. It is very common for people with nystagmus to have difficulty seeing far away objects and it may also cause jumping vision and oscillopsia, the sensation that the stationary visual world is moving. Because of the sensation of movement, nystagmus can also cause dizziness, loss of balance, and reduced depth perception.
What To Know About Nystagmus
Causes Of Nystagmus
When this eye condition develops at or soon after birth, it is called infantile nystagmus. If it develops later in life, often due to another triggering incident, it is called acquired nystagmus.
Infantile nystagmus can develop due to:
- Genetic factors
- Improper brain development
- Improper eye development
- Albinism
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Fetal alcohol syndrome
- Vitamin deficiency
- Refractive errors
- Reaction to medication
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Retina coloboma
- Optic nerve hypoplasia
Acquired nystagmus can develop due to:
- Stroke
- Brain injury/head injury
- Brain tumour
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Drug use
- Excessive alcohol use
Treatment
While there is no cure for nystagmus, there are some options that address the symptoms of this condition. If you develop acquired nystagmus, some treatment options available are:
- Eye muscles surgery. There are surgical options to stop rapid eye movement. Some people with nystagmus will acquire a head turn or tilt if the nystagmus slows down when their gaze is at a certain angle. This spot is called a null point and many people with nystagmus who have a null point will naturally tilt their head to see in this area. If the head tilt required to see out of this null point is severe, it can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain and surgery is recommended to address the eye muscles and slow rapid eye movement so the null point use is not as necessary.
- Medication. Some anti-seizure medications and muscle relaxants have been shown to reduce nystagmus symptoms.
- BOTOX®. This mild and safe neurotoxin works by paralyzing the muscles. While many people think of this product for reducing wrinkles, the paralyzing effects can help slow down the muscles that are causing rapid eye movements.
- Addressing Other Causes. Since acquired nystagmus often develops due to other underlying causes, doctors and optometrists may be able to resolve nystagmus symptoms by addressing the underlying issue. Some of the underlying causes can be resolved as a person heals from previous injury or addiction.
There are far fewer treatment options available for children with infantile nystagmus. While there are no treatments available to cure nystagmus, there are options to reduce vision impairment and make vision easier:
- Glasses or contacts
- Large print books
- Magnifying glasses
- Good lighting
- Visual stimulation in early childhood
- Surgery is sometimes an option when the child is older
Diagnosing Nystagmus
Children are recommended to have their first eye exam at 6 months old to screen for common infantile eye conditions such as nystagmus. At an eye exam for children that young, the optometrist will conduct a visual examination where they look at the eye, and they will ask the parents any questions about family history. If you are experiencing symptoms of acquired nystagmus, visit your optometrist for an adult eye exam. At an eye exam, your optometrist will perform a visual eye exam and discuss any medications use, health complications, or any family health issues. You may also be given some vision tests and eye movement tests. If you have or are suspected of having nystagmus, you may be required to visit your doctor and have either a CAT scan or an MRI. Because nystagmus can be related to brain injury or tumour growth, this is an important precaution.
Screen For Nystagmus With A Comprehensive Eye Exam
If you or your child experience vibrating eyes, dizziness, the inability to see faraway objects, lack of depth perception, or a constantly tilted head, visit a Calgary optometrist to screen for nystagmus. This eye condition can be easily diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam from one of the knowledgeable Calgary eye doctors at Blink Eyewear. Once a diagnosis is made, your optometrist will discuss any available treatment options and will help you learn how to support a child with nystagmus or how to minimize symptoms going forward. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Blink Eyewear to take control of the eye health of you and your family.
With three convenient locations in Crowfoot in NW Calgary, West Springs in SW Calgary, and Creekside in NW Calgary, Blink Eyewear can offer you great optometry services throughout the city. To book an appointment with Blink Eyewear, call 1-403-516-2292 or fill out the online contact form.
