Nystagmus is an eye condition characterized by involuntary and rhythmic movements of the eyes. Known as eye tremor in the community, this condition can negatively affect individuals' visual quality and lead to various restrictions in daily life activities. Some individuals may be born with eye tremor, while in others it may develop with age. Early diagnosis of nystagmus and a detailed evaluation of the underlying causes are important for planning the treatment process.
What Is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus, or eye tremor, refers to the involuntary movement of the eye. This condition can be congenital or can appear during infancy and later periods. The causes of nystagmus are not dependent on a single factor; there can be various reasons, and it may not always affect vision capability.
It can appear in infants alongside head nodding. In situations where it does not affect vision, eye tremor decreases and may completely disappear by primary school age. Eye tremor may sometimes develop due to low visual capacity or neurological problems.
What Are the Types of Nystagmus?
There are different subtypes of nystagmus. Common types of eye tremor include:
Vertical Nystagmus
A type of eye disorder where the eyes move involuntarily or regularly upward, downward, left, and right. Vertical nystagmus, which can occur due to different causes, can be associated with central nervous system disorders, optic nerve paralysis, among other causes.
Horizontal Nystagmus
Horizontal nystagmus, which involves rhythmic movements of the eyes, can occur due to various reasons. Medication use, inner ear problems, and central nervous system disorders can lead to this type of nystagmus. For treatment, evaluation will be carried out in collaboration with a neurologist and an eye doctor.
Neurological Nystagmus
Nystagmus is a condition among neurological issues related to the brain and spinal cord. Conditions such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and congenital neurological problems can lead to nystagmus.
Rotational (Torsional) Nystagmus
Rotational Nystagmus, where the eyes move in a spinning manner, is a condition distinct from involuntary and rhythmic eye movements. For treatment purposes, a detailed examination should be performed by an eye doctor and a neurologist to understand the underlying causes.
What Are the Symptoms of Nystagmus?
Nystagmus manifests with numerous symptoms that result from involuntary movements of the eye muscles. Symptoms can vary from person to person depending on the type, severity, and underlying cause of the disease.
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Involuntary Tremor Movements in the Eyes:
The primary symptom is the involuntary movement of the eyes right-to-left, up-and-down, or in a circular pattern. This tremor may be constant or may increase and decrease depending on the direction of gaze.
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Difficulty in Clear Vision:
Due to the inability of the eye muscles to maintain a stable position, a person may struggle to focus on an object. Clear vision may weaken, especially in tasks that require fine details.
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Blurred or Oscillating Visual Perception:
Individuals with nystagmus may perceive objects around them as continuously shaking rather than stationary. This situation becomes more pronounced in moving environments and can cause discomfort.
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Need to Change Head Position:
In some types of nystagmus, a certain head position may help reduce eye movements. Hence, individuals may try to find a neutral position where they can see more comfortably by tilting or turning their heads in one direction.
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Loss of Balance or Feeling of Dizziness:
Nystagmus can also affect the inner ear and brain centers that provide balance, along with the eye muscles. Some patients may experience dizziness reminiscent of vertigo during sudden head movements. Balance disturbances can cause a feeling of insecurity when walking or climbing stairs.
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Light Sensitivity and Eye Fatigue:
Tremors can become more pronounced in bright light environments. Additional complaints such as eye fatigue, watering, and discomfort when looking at light may develop.
The symptoms may complicate activities such as reading, driving, and working on computers in daily life.
What Causes Eye Tremor?
The cause of eye tremor can vary from person to person. Stress experienced after long working hours, eye fatigue, and lack of sleep are common causes. Here, improvement can be expected after stress management and adjusting sleep patterns.
Congenital Factors
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Developmental disorders of the optic nerve
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Retinal diseases
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Functional disorders in brain regions controlling eye muscles
Neurological and Systemic Diseases
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
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Stroke
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Brain tumors
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Inner ear diseases
Medication Use and Environmental Factors
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Epilepsy medications and sedatives
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Alcohol intoxication
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Head trauma
How Is Eye Tremor Treated?
Accurate diagnosis of nystagmus is crucial because identifying the underlying cause is necessary for planning appropriate treatment. The causes can directly affect the effectiveness of treatment. Treatments that can be applied to patients with nystagmus include glasses, telescopic support devices, eye drops, medication therapy, and surgical intervention when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nystagmus a Progressive Disease?
Congenital (present from birth) nystagmus is usually stable and may not show marked progression. However, in acquired (developing later) nystagmus cases, if the underlying disease progresses, eye tremor may also increase.
Can Nystagmus Be Corrected with Glasses?
Glasses and prism lenses can enhance visual clarity and help correct head position, thereby reducing symptoms.
Is It Harmful for Individuals with Nystagmus to Use a Computer?
Using a computer may not be harmful, but staring at the screen for long periods can increase eye fatigue. Thus, it is recommended to take frequent breaks, reduce screen brightness, and provide appropriate lighting.
Is Nystagmus Noticeable at Birth?
Congenital nystagmus can be noticeable in some babies a few weeks after birth. Particularly between ages 2-3 months, eye movements become more apparent, and families may observe involuntary shaking.