Nystagmus

Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes. It can occur in both horizontal and vertical directions and can be caused by a variety of neurological and ophthalmological conditions. The most common causes of nystagmus are inner ear problems, vision problems, and brain diseases. Inner ear problems can cause nystagmus due to disruption of the balance system. This type of nystagmus is referred to as vestibular nystagmus and is usually accompanied by vertigo or dizziness. Vision problems, such as strabismus, can also cause nystagmus. This type of nystagmus is called ocular nystagmus and can be caused by refractive errors, cataracts, or other eye diseases. Lastly, diseases that affect the brain can also cause nystagmus. This type of nystagmus is called central nystagmus and can be caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors. Nystagmus can be treated through a variety of methods depending on the underlying cause. For example, inner ear problems can be treated with medications, physical therapy, and/or surgery. Vision problems can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Lastly, central nystagmus can be treated with medications, physical therapy, or surgery.