Nystagmus is involuntary shaking of the eyes. It can happen to due early abnormalities of the optic nerve or retina and can be hereditary or idiopathic (meaning no one knows what caused it). Some types of nystagmus can be associated with structural abnormalities of the brain. Children with this form of nystagmus will need an MRI scan to further evaluate the cause. Nystagmus is always associated with some degree of visual blur, which can range from mild to severe. Some children with nystagmus will develop a “null” position. When they put their eyes in a certain position, it makes the eyes shake less. These children turn their heads to place their eyes in this special position because it improves their vision. Eye muscle surgery has been tried to reduce nystagmus and is generally not very successful. However, eye muscle surgery to reduce the head position is very successful. Dr. Morrison will evaluate your child with nystagmus, determine if MRI is necessary, and discuss treatment options including glasses, eye muscle surgery, or low vision aides when appropriate.
Management of Strabismus Associated With Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome: A Novel Classification to Assist in Surgical Planning. Zheng Y, Holt DG, Law JJ, Morrison DG, Donahue SP. Am J Ophthalmol. 2019 Dec;208:342-346. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2019.08.016. Epub 2019 Aug 29.
Comparison of Techniques for the Correction of Chin-down Vertical Abnormal Head Position Associated with Infantile Nystagmus Syndrome. Law JJ, Zheng Y, Holt DG, Morrison DG, Donahue SP. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020;213:57-61.