Nystagmus is a complex, uncommon ophthalmological pathology that appears as an involuntary movement of the eyes. This movement is constant and often repeated over time. The treatment for nystagmus varies depending on the cause that is causing it.
Nistagmus is defined as an involuntary, rapid and repetitive movement of the eyes. It is an ocular oscillation, usually bilateral, that is, it usually affects both eyes at the same time. These movements can be of several forms: rotational, vertical or horizontal. However, horizontal nystagmus is the most common.
Because this ophthalmological disease can have serious consequences for the visual health of the sufferer, it is important that the treatment be carried out from the moment in which the diagnosis occurs. To do this, we must analyze the cause of nystagmus beforehand and offer personalized treatment.
It is an ocular pathology that is approached in a multidisciplinary way by ophthalmologists, neurologists and otorrhinos who, in their different specialties, will analyze the possible causes.
Causes of nystagmus
The main causes of a nystagmus can be congenital, neurological or idiopathic (unknown).
An involuntary movement of the eyes can also appear temporarily due to disorientation or dizziness (after boarding a Ferris wheel or roller coaster) or due to the use of stimulants (alcohol and drugs) or certain medications.
Signs and symptoms of nystagmus
As a general sign, the saccadic and involuntary movement of the eyeball is presented. IMPORTANT not to be confused with the involuntary tremor of the eyelid, known as blepharospasm that is much more frequent, has other causes and is not serious.
The main symptom is poor vision. Especially in the nystagmus of birth, since the movement prevents that the gaze is fixed correctly on the object and the image is clearly projected on the retina and the result of this, the eye does not develop properly.
Another symptom that appears in cases of acquired nystagmus is oscillopsia or sensation that the environment moves around you.
In certain cases there is a position of the gaze in which the movement is considerably reduced and even disappears. This is called a neutral or blockage zone and causes the patient to turn the head (torticollis), to divert the eyes in search of that position.
If you have questions or require more information, visit the specialists at the Ophthalmologists portal in Mérida.
