Question: What is nystagmus?
Answer: Nystagmus refers to uncontrolled eye movements. Nystagmus usually involves quick, jittery movements made by both eyes, both horizontally and vertically
There are two types of nystagmus, sensory and motor. Sensory nystagmus refers to loss of vision. Motor nystagmus is related to loss of eye muscle control.
Many health conditions are associated with nystagmus, including inherited genetic disorders, multiple sclerosis, albinism, fibromyalgia, Meniere's disease as well as with other eye conditions, such as strabismus.
Nystagmus is classified as either congenital or acquired. The most common type is congenital nystagmus which is present at birth. Acquired nystagmus develops at a later point in life due to an illness, injury or disease.
Source:
American Optometric Association (AOA). Nystagmus. AOA, 2006-10.
