Nystagmus

People with nystagmus can’t control their eye movements. Their eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably in an up and down, side to side or circular motion. Nystagmus may be passed down from your parents, or it may be caused by another health issue. The condition can be managed with glasses or contact lenses or rarely, surgery.

Overview

Common warning signs for Nystagmus such as: Uncontrollable eye movement, nighttime vision problems, shaky/blurry vision, balance problems, light sensitivity and dizziness.
Nystagmus symptoms like dizziness require a call to your provider.

What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus (ni-stag-muhs) is a condition in which your eyes make rapid, repetitive, uncontrolled movements — such as up and down (vertical nystagmus), side to side (horizontal nystagmus) or in a circle (rotary nystagmus). These eye movements can cause problems with your vision, depth perception, balance and coordination.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Who does nystagmus affect?

Nystagmus can affect both children and adults. There are two types: congenital and acquired.

Congenital nystagmus

Babies with this condition start to show symptoms between six weeks and three months of age. This type of nystagmus is congenital, meaning people are born with it. In some cases, it’s passed down to children from their parents, but the exact cause isn’t always clear. Children with congenital nystagmus usually have it in both eyes. The main symptom is blurry vision.

Acquired nystagmus

Unlike congenital nystagmus, acquired nystagmus develops later in life. The condition is usually caused by an underlying health condition or drugs. Adults with acquired nystagmus describe their vision as “shaky.”

How common is nystagmus?

Advertisement

Approximately 1 in 1,000 people have some form of nystagmus.

Is nystagmus a serious condition?

Nystagmus itself isn’t considered dangerous. But it may be associated with serious health conditions, especially those affecting the brain, such as stroke, brain tumor, toxicity, head trauma and inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of nystagmus?

Nystagmus symptoms can affect one or both eyes. Some of the most common warning signs include:

  • Uncontrollable eye movement.
  • Shaky or blurry vision.
  • Balance problems.
  • Dizziness.
  • Light sensitivity.
  • Nighttime vision problems.

If you have nystagmus, you might hold your head in a tilted or turned position. This improves focus and helps things look clearer when you can’t hold a steady gaze.

Advertisement

How do you get nystagmus?

Your brain controls your eye movement. When you move your head, your eyes move automatically to adjust. This stabilizes the image and helps you see clearly. In individuals with nystagmus, the areas of the brain that control eye movements don’t work properly.

Nystagmus could indicate another eye problem, or it could be associated with another medical condition. Nystagmus causes and risk factors include:

Diagnosis and Tests

How is nystagmus diagnosed?

Generally, nystagmus is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. They’ll test your vision, examine the inside of your eyes and ask about your symptoms. They’ll also check for other eye problems that might be related to nystagmus, including strabismus, cataracts or issues with the retina or optic nerve.

What tests will be done to diagnose nystagmus?

Your ophthalmologist may run a number of other nystagmus tests, including:

  • A neurological examination.
  • Eye-movement recordings.
  • An ear exam.
  • Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI, to capture pictures of your brain.

Another common nystagmus test involves spinning around for 30 seconds, then stopping. Your healthcare provider will then ask you to stare at an object. If you have nystagmus, your eyes will move slowly in one direction, then quickly in the other.

Management and Treatment

Can nystagmus be corrected?

Acquired nystagmus can sometimes be corrected once the underlying condition is addressed. For example, if nystagmus is caused by an inner ear condition, symptoms may go away once it’s treated. People with congenital nystagmus cannot be cured completely, but symptoms can be managed with proper treatment.

What nystagmus treatments are used?

There are a few different nystagmus treatments available. The approach that’s best for you depends on the cause of your condition, your health history and your personal preferences.

Glasses or contact lenses

Clearer vision can help slow the rapid eye movements associated with nystagmus. As a result, symptoms can be successfully managed with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Medications

Some medications can reduce nystagmus symptoms in adults, such as gabapentin (antiseizure), baclofen (muscle relaxant) and onabotulinumtoxina (Botox®). These medications aren't used in children with nystagmus.

Eye muscle surgery

In rare instances, eye muscle surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, your surgeon repositions the muscles that move the eyes. This type of surgery doesn’t cure nystagmus, but it allows you to keep your head in a more comfortable position, thereby limiting eye movement.

Vision correction surgery

If you have nystagmus and are nearsighted, laser vision correction surgery — such as LASIK — may be beneficial. While laser eye surgery doesn’t cure nystagmus, it improves your vision. As a result, nystagmus symptoms may be reduced.

Prevention

How can I prevent nystagmus?

Currently, there is no way to prevent nystagmus. But you can reduce troublesome symptoms by treating the underlying cause.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have nystagmus?

Nystagmus can make everyday tasks more challenging. In some cases, it may even limit the types of jobs and hobbies you can have. Nystagmus rarely goes away completely, but it can improve over time. Your healthcare provider can help you find a treatment that works for you.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you notice any changes in your vision or other related symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. Keep in mind that nystagmus can be linked to serious health issues, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is imperative. If you’ve already been diagnosed with nystagmus, let your provider know if your symptoms worsen.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Nystagmus can have a significant negative impact on your vision. While the condition can’t be cured completely, there are treatments that can help. Ask your healthcare provider for resources. Learning everything you can about nystagmus can help you make an informed decision about your health.

Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/16/2021.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Ad
Appointments 216.444.8500