Produces

"Sight is what your eyes produce. Vision is what your heart produces. Never let what you see affect your vision." (Eyesonbrickell)

Nystagmus is an eye condition characterized by rapid and uncontrollable eye movements (also known as “dancing eyes”). These eye movements may be in any direction including horizontally, vertically, or rotationally (in a circle). Nystagmus can cause difficulty focusing on or seeing objects. Individuals suffering from the condition may hold their head in unusual positions to compensate for the condition.

Nystagmus is thought to be related to a disorder in the part of the brain that controls eye movement. Although the exact cause of nystagmus is not known, fatigue or increased levels of stress appear to worsen the condition.  Patients with nystagmus may experience problems with depth perception, which can lead to coordination problems.

Different types of nystagmus can present themselves in the eyes. This includes infantile, spasmus nutans, and acquired nystagmus.  Infantile nystagmus usually develops by 2 to 3 months of age. The eyes tend to move horizontally (in a swinging motion), and is often associated with other congenital conditions such as cataracts, absence of the iris, underdeveloped optic nerves, or albinism.

Spasmus nutans usually occurs between the ages of 6 months to 3 years. It may improve on its own between the ages of 2 and 8, and usually doesn’t require treatment. Acquired nystagmus (or jerk nystagmus) can develop in late childhood to adulthood, and the cause is often unknown. It is estimated that this type of nystagmus is caused by the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, or drug toxicity. Jerk nystagmus causes the eyes to make a very quick movement in one direction followed by a slower movement in the opposite direction. Pendular nystagmus causes the eyes to move in quick movements in either direction.

Nystagmus can be diagnosed through a routine eye exam as long as it is comprehensive, and your optometrist diagnoses how your eyes move. When testing for nystagmus, it is important to take patient history into account to determine if there are any underlying health problems, medications, or environmental factors that may contribute to the symptoms.

 The most important part of an ocular test is to see how the eyes focus, move, and work together. Without the eyes working in union, clear vision that can focus on objects will be difficult. If nystagmus is detected, your optometrist will likely refer you to a specialist for further testing as nystagmus is often a symptom of an underlying cause.

Nystagmus can be treated with various medical and surgical procedures although it cannot be cured. Contact lenses and glasses can help clear the vision and subsequently slow eye movements. It does not help treat the condition fully, but it can help lessen the symptoms significantly. It is important to take care of the eyes when utilizing vision corrective devices. Surgery can be done in rare cases to reposition the eye muscles that control and move the eyes. This keeps them steady and allows the head to be in a more comfortable position to limit eye movement.

“People with brown or green eyes are hyper, and love to laugh. They tend to be quiet at first, but once you get to know them. They never shut up, and make amazing friends. “(pinimg.com)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “All You Need to Know About Nystagmus” by Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care

·        “Nystagmus” by Healthgrades Editorial Staff

 

 This topic was suggested by friend and blog member, Juli Critser.