What is it?
Nystagmus is constant uncontrolled movement of the eyes.
- When visual pathways or parts of the brain that control this movement don’t develop properly or get damaged later in life.
There are many types on Nystagmus:
Congenital nystagmus
- This type of nystagmus is noticed in very young children, usually soon after they’re born or in the first years of life.
- It can be caused by a problem with the eye itself or by a problem with the visual pathway from the eye to the brain.
Acquired nystagmus
- This type of nystagmus develops later, generally in adults.
- Acquired nystagmus is often a sign of another condition like:
rnib
Symptoms
- Constant uncontrolled movement of the eyes?
- Movements are usually side to side but can also be up and down or in a circular motion?
- Squinting eyes causing one of the eyes to turn inwards, outwards or upwards, while other eye looks forward?
- Noticing vision loss slowly over a period of time?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Medical Emergency Condition
And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
This condition has been associated with:
Eye test And Driving
- One should have routine eye tests at least every two years but if one has concerns one should book an eye test at any point
- Persons over 40 years should have eye test at least every 2 years and you must tell drivers authority if it affects your driving
Exercise your eyes
Focus change
This exercise works by challenging your focus. It should be done from a seated position.
- Hold your pointer finger a few inches away from your eye.
- Focus on your finger.
- Slowly move your finger away from your face, holding your focus.
- Look away for a moment, into the distance.
- Focus on your outstretched finger and slowly bring it back toward your eye.
- Look away and focus on something in the distance.
- Repeat three times.
Near and far focus
- This is another focus exercise.
- As with the previous one, it should be done from a seated position.
- Hold your thumb about 10 inches from your face and focus on it for 15 seconds.
- Find an object roughly 10 to 20 feet away, and focus on it for 15 seconds.
- Return your focus to your thumb.
- Repeat five times.
Figure eight
- This exercise should be done from a seated position as well.
- Pick a point on the floor about 10 feet in front of you and focus on it.
- Trace an imaginary figure eight with your eyes.
- Keep tracing for 30 seconds, then switch directions.
20-20-20 rule
- Eye strain is a real problem for a lot of people. Human eyes are not supposed to be glued to a single object for extended periods of time. If you work at a computer all day, the 20-20-20 rule may help prevent digital eye strain.
- To implement this rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Vision therapy
- Vision therapy may include eye exercises, but only as part of a more specialised treatment program done under the supervision of an eye doctor, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
- The goal of vision therapy can be to strengthen the eye muscles.
- It also can help to retrain poor visual behaviour, or help with eye tracking issues.
Healthline : Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — Written by Corinne O’Keefe Osborn — Updated on September 29, 2018
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist/Optician) for further advice
Detailed Information
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Exercise your eyes
Focus change
This exercise works by challenging your focus. It should be done from a seated position.
- Hold your pointer finger a few inches away from your eye.
- Focus on your finger.
- Slowly move your finger away from your face, holding your focus.
- Look away for a moment, into the distance.
- Focus on your outstretched finger and slowly bring it back toward your eye.
- Look away and focus on something in the distance.
- Repeat three times.
Near and far focus
- This is another focus exercise.
- As with the previous one, it should be done from a seated position.
- Hold your thumb about 10 inches from your face and focus on it for 15 seconds.
- Find an object roughly 10 to 20 feet away, and focus on it for 15 seconds.
- Return your focus to your thumb.
- Repeat five times.
Figure eight
- This exercise should be done from a seated position as well.
- Pick a point on the floor about 10 feet in front of you and focus on it.
- Trace an imaginary figure eight with your eyes.
- Keep tracing for 30 seconds, then switch directions.
20-20-20 rule
- Eye strain is a real problem for a lot of people. Human eyes are not supposed to be glued to a single object for extended periods of time. If you work at a computer all day, the 20-20-20 rule may help prevent digital eye strain.
- To implement this rule, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Vision therapy
- Vision therapy may include eye exercises, but only as part of a more specialised treatment program done under the supervision of an eye doctor, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
- The goal of vision therapy can be to strengthen the eye muscles.
- It also can help to retrain poor visual behaviour, or help with eye tracking issues.
Healthline : Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — Written by Corinne O’Keefe Osborn — Updated on September 29, 2018
