Exploring Nystagmus

Miami eye doctors sometimes come across patients who suffer from an optical condition that’s known as nystagmus. What this means is that the patient is suffering from involuntary eye movements that can affect their coordination, balance, and ability to see clearly. The involuntary movements of someone’s eyes when suffering from this condition can be completely random– up and down, left to right, circular, or any combination of these movements. In most cases, people suffering from nystagmus are dealing with another medical or ocular condition that’s causing the involuntary movements. A doctor in Miami Beach who has a patient with this condition will also tell them to be sure they are well rested and not stressed out as these factors can make the involuntary movements even worse.

The Three Forms of Nystagmus

When it comes to these types of involuntary eye movements, there are three main forms of it that people can develop. Here are the three most common forms of nystagmus that an eye doctor in Miami sees:

● Acquired nystagmus. This is when an adult develops this condition later in life, and it’s usually a result of alcohol abuse or drug toxicity.

● Spasmus nutans nystagmus. This form of nystagmus is when a child develops it between six months to three years of age. In most cases, it will resolve itself by the age of eight and it doesn’t require any treatments.

● Infantile nystagmus. When an infant between two and three months of age develops this condition, it’s known as infantile nystagmus.

How Eye Doctors Treat People With Nystagmus

Those who are dealing with these involuntary eye spasms are often prescribed eyeglasses in Miami Beach to correct their vision issues. The glasses can help someone focus on the task at hand, resulting in less spasms overall. In severe cases of nystagmus, surgery to reposition the muscles in the eye can be performed. Replacing the eye muscles in a different location can sometimes prevent the eyes from spasming as they used to. If the cause of the nystagmus is another medical or ocular issue, then that issue will be focused on first in order to try and resolve it, which will hopefully stop the spasms from happening once the underlying condition is cured.

photo credit: Fringe on the Mile 2016 0141 via photopin (license)