What is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is a neurological eye condition that causes involuntary, repetitive eye movements, making it difficult for an individual to focus on objects. These movements can be horizontal (side-to-side), vertical (up-and-down), or rotational (circular) and often lead to blurred vision, dizziness, light sensitivity, and poor depth perception. The severity of nystagmus varies from person to person, and it can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
Individuals with nystagmus may adopt head tilts or unusual postures to reduce symptoms and improve focus. The condition can also be linked to abnormal eye movements, vestibular system dysfunction, or underlying neurological disorders. In some cases, nystagmus causes in adults include brainstem injuries, inner ear disorders, multiple sclerosis, or even medication side effects.
How Common is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is more common than most people realize, affecting both children and adults. In babies, wobbly eyes in babies may be an early sign of congenital nystagmus. In contrast, adults may develop nystagmus due to head trauma, neurological conditions, or prolonged use of certain medications that affect the nervous system.
Symptoms of Nystagmus Eyes
Nystagmus symptoms can vary depending on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the condition. The most common symptom is uncontrolled, jerky eye movements, but there are other associated vision problems:
Blurred or unstable vision
Difficulty focusing on objects, especially at a distance.
Light sensitivity (Photophobia)
Increased discomfort in bright environments.
Dizziness and poor balance
Many individuals with nystagmus experience motion sickness or vertigo due to unstable vision.
Head tilting or unusual postures
People often adjust their head position to find a null point where eye movements are minimized.
Eye strain and fatigue
Constant involuntary movement makes reading, driving, and concentrating on tasks challenging.
In infants, wobbly eyes in babies may be an early symptom, which should be evaluated by an eye specialist as soon as possible.
Primary Causes:
Aging (Vitreo-Macular Traction) – The most common cause. As we age, the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina. If it adheres to the macula too strongly, it can create a hole
High Myopia (Severe Nearsightedness) – People with high myopia have thinner retinas, making them more susceptible to macular holes.
Trauma or Injury – Direct trauma to the eye, such as a blow or accident, can cause a macular hole.
Retinal Detachment or Epiretinal Membrane – Conditions that cause traction or pulling on the retina may lead to a macular hole.
Diabetic Eye Disease – Severe diabetic retinopathy can weaken the macula, increasing the risk of holes forming.
Macular Edema (Swelling of the Macula) – Fluid buildup can weaken the macular tissue, leading to hole formation.
Causes of Nystagmus
Nystagmus can be caused by a wide range of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Some of the most common nystagmus causes include:
Congenital disorders:
Infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS) is present from birth and is often linked to genetic mutations, optic nerve abnormalities, or developmental delays.
Inner ear disorders:
The vestibular system controls balance, and disruptions in inner ear function can lead to abnormal eye movements associated with pendular nystagmus.
Neurological diseases:
Conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumors, and Parkinson’s disease can trigger involuntary eye movements.
Head injuries
Brainstem or cerebellar damage from trauma can lead to acquired nystagmus.
Medication side effects:
Certain drugs, including anti-seizure medications, sedatives, and alcohol, can cause temporary or permanent nystagmus.
In adults, nystagmus causes in adults often involve neurological dysfunction, vestibular system disorders, or severe vision impairment.
Age related Macular Degeneration:
Here abnormal blood vessels leak fluid and cause macular swelling.
Retinal Vein oclussions:
When the veins in the retina become blocked,blood and fluid then leak out into the macula.
Inflammatory eye diseases:
Conditions like uveitis, where the body attacks its own tissues, can damage retinal blood vessels and cause swelling of the macula.
Medication:
Certain drugs have side effects that can lead to macular edema.
Eye Malignancies:
Both benign and malignant tumors can lead to macular edema.
Eye surgery:
It’s not common, but sometimes after glaucome, retinal or cataract surgery, you can get macular edema.