Nystagmus is involuntary and oscillating movement of the eyes, which can occur even if the head is still, and can cause certain symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and imbalance, for example.
Eye movement can occur from side to side, called horizontal nystagmus, up and down, being called vertical nystagmus, or in circles, this type is called a rotary nystagmus.
- Nystagmus can be considered normal.
- When it occurs for the purpose of following head movement and focusing an image.
- For example.
- But it can also be considered pathological when it occurs even with the head motionless.
- And may be the result of labyrinthitis.
- Neurological changes or drug side effects.
- For example.
Nystagmus is characterized mainly by involuntary eye movement, which can be normal or due to a person’s condition, so it is called pathological nystagmus, nystagmus consists of two movements, one slow and one fast, slow movement occurs when the eyes follow the movement of the head, focusing on a fixed point , when the eyes reach their limit, rapid movement returns them to their starting position.
When slow and rapid movement occurs even when the head is stopped, eye movements become more noticeable, this condition being the so-called pathological nystagmus.
In addition to involuntary eye movements, nystagmus may be noticed by the onset of certain symptoms, such as imbalance, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Depending on the cause, nystagmus can be classified into two main types:
In addition to physiological and pathological classification, nystagmus can also be classified as congenital, when perceived shortly after birth, or acquired, which occurs due to various situations that can occur throughout life, being the main causes:
In addition, people with Down syndrome or albinism, for example, are more likely to have nystagmus.
Diagnosis is made by the ophthalmologist observing eye movements, as well as performing specific tests, such as electrooculography and videooculography, for example, in which involuntary eye movements are observed in real time and in a more precise way.
Nystagmus treatment is performed with the aim of reducing the appearance of involuntary eye movements, so the ophthalmologist may indicate the treatment of the cause, and discontinuation of the drug responsible for nystagmus or vitamin supplementation may be recommended, when presented due to nutritional deficiencies.
In addition, the ophthalmologist may recommend the use of certain medications that can directly affect the neurotransmitter system, in addition to the use of contact lenses.
In more severe cases, when involuntary movements are very common and occur regardless of the position of the head, surgery may be needed to change the position of the muscles responsible for eye movement, thus improving the ability to focus objects. in addition to improving visual ability.