Eye tremor (nystagmus)
Eye tremor (nystagmus)
What is nystagmus?
Eye tremor (nystagmus) is an involuntary movement of the eyes. It can appear at birth, as well as in infancy and later. Nystagmus is not a single-cause condition. There may be many different reasons. It can also appear without visual impairment. Nystagmus can be seen in infants in the form of head shaking. In this group, which does not affect vision, nystagmus usually decreases by an elementary school and sometimes may disappear completely. However, eye tremors can also occur due to poor vision or neurological reasons.
Eye tremor symptoms (nystagmus)
- Blurred vision
- Stuck gaze on a certain point
- Eye twitching
Why does eye tremor occur?
Eye tremors can occur for different reasons for each person. Eye strain, stress, and lack of sleep after a long day at work are the most common group of causes. In this case, it can be corrected by managing stress and restoring sleep patterns.
Causes of eye tremor
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Fatigue
- Dry eyes
- Eye infections and eye diseases
How does eye tremor go away?
Eye tremor is usually a condition that goes away on its own. Since it most often appears as a result of stress or eye strain, this situation goes away on its own when the situation improves. However, with an eye tremor that does not go away, you should contact an ophthalmologist.
People with eye tremors are advised to apply the 20+20+20 rule to keep their eyes relaxed during a long day at work. This rule should be applied to rest the eyes during the day, even if there is no eye tremor.
Rule: Focus on a point 20 feet (6-7 meters) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This rule helps the eyes to rest and is a precaution against diseases such as eye tremors.
Types of nystagmus
Vertical nystagmus: This is the type in which the eyes move involuntarily or rhythmically up, down, right, or left. Vertical nystagmus, which can occur for various reasons, can be caused by causes such as disorders of the central nerve, and optic nerve palsy.
Neurological nystagmus: This is a type of nystagmus that occurs due to neurological disorders associated with the brain and spinal cord. Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and congenital neurological disorders are conditions that provoke the occurrence of nystagmus. An appropriate treatment plan should be drawn up by an ophthalmologist and a neurologist.
Horizontal nystagmus: This is a type of nystagmus in which the eyes move rhythmically. Horizontal nystagmus can occur for various reasons. Horizontal nystagmus can cause medication, diseases of the inner ear, and diseases of the central nervous system. For treatment, a neurologist and an ophthalmologist should conduct a coordinated evaluation.
Rotational (torsion) nystagmus: This is a type of nystagmus in which the eyes move involuntarily and rhythmically. Unlike the others, this is a type of nystagmus in which the eyes move rotationally. The underlying causes should be investigated, and a detailed examination should be performed by an ophthalmologist and neurologist for treatment.
How is eye tremor (nystagmus) treated?
Diagnostic differentiation of patients with nystagmus should be carried out very accurately. Planning the appropriate treatment as a result of the discovery of the underlying cause directly affects the success of the treatment. Glasses, telescopes, drops, medication and, if necessary, surgery are the treatments that can be applied to patients with nystagmus.
In cases of persistent tremor, an ophthalmologist should be consulted for treatment.
Last Update Date: 01.07.2023
*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
