Uncontrolled Eye Movements Treatment in Downtown Manhattan | Nystagmus

What Is Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary, rapid and repetitive movements of the eyes. It’s commonly referred to as uncontrolled eye movements. These movements are horizontal, vertical, diagonal or circular, and they vary in speed and intensity. Nystagmus affects one or both eyes, and it impairs your vision, balance and coordination. It also has different effects on vision, such as reduced visual acuity, difficulty focusing, sensitivity to light or double vision.

There is effective treatment for nystagmus at Eye Physicians in New York. This eye clinic has a team of experienced and qualified optometrists and ophthalmologists who specialize in nystagmus and other eye disorders. They use the latest technology and techniques to provide you with the best possible diagnosis and treatment for visual disorders and eye diseases.

What Causes Uncontrolled Eye Movements?

The exact cause of nystagmus may not always be known, and it varies from person to person. Uncontrolled eye movement has different causes depending on whether it’s congenital or acquired. Congenital nystagmus means that you’re born with the condition or develop it in early childhood. Some of the possible causes of congenital nystagmus include:

• Genetic mutations that affect the development of the eyes, the muscles that control eye movements, or the parts of the brain that process visual information
• Eye abnormalities, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases or optic nerve disorders that impair vision and cause the eyes to move involuntarily to compensate for the movement
• Brain disorders, such as albinism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, that affect the coordination and communication between the eyes and the brain

Acquired nystagmus means that you develop the condition later in life due to various factors, many of which you have no control over.

Some of the possible causes of acquired nystagmus include:

• Medications, such as anticonvulsants, sedatives or antihistamines that affect the balance of chemicals in your brain and cause your eyes to oscillate
• Stroke, brain injuries or tumors that damage the areas of your brain that control eye movements or vision
• Vestibular diseases, such as Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis or some forms of vertigo, that affect the inner ear and cause your eyes to move in response to changes in your head position or balance

What Are the Symptoms of Nystagmus?

Nystagmus causes various symptoms that affect your vision and your daily activities. These symptoms may change over time or in different situations. Some people have mild or occasional symptoms, while others have severe or constant symptoms. No matter how severe your symptoms are, visit a nystagmus specialist near me in NYC to ensure you get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

The symptoms of nystagmus affect your personal, social and professional life because they interfere with your learning, working, driving and enjoying your hobbies.

It’s important to seek treatment for nystagmus as soon as possible when you experience symptoms such as:

• Blurry or reduced vision, especially in low light or at a distance
• Difficulty focusing on objects or faces, or switching between near and far vision
• Sensitivity to bright light or glare, or difficulty seeing in the dark
• Double vision or seeing overlapping images
• Needing to tilt or turn your head in an unusual position to see better or reduce eye movements
• Vertigo or dizziness, or feeling like the world is spinning or moving
• Oscillopsia or visual instability, or feeling like the objects around you are moving or shaking
• Nausea or vomiting, or feeling sick due to the motion of your eyes or the environment
• Eye fatigue or strain, or feeling tired or sore from trying to focus or stabilize your vision

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Nystagmus?

Nystagmus has a negative impact on your vision and your quality of life if left untreated. You will experience reduced visual acuity or clarity, which affects your ability to read, write, drive or perform other tasks that require good vision.

You’ll also develop reduced depth perception or binocular vision, which affects your ability to judge distances, heights or speeds, and increases your risk of falls or accidents.

Other long-term effects may include:

• Reduced field of vision and peripheral vision, which affects your ability to see objects or people around you, limiting your mobility and independence
• Loss of confidence because you may not want to interact with others, make eye contact or express emotions, leading to isolation or mental health issues
• Fewer educational or occupational opportunities, affecting your ability to learn, work or pursue your goals and limiting your potential and income

What’s an Effective Treatment for Nystagmus?

The effectiveness of treatments offered by your Manhattan nystagmus specialist near me varies from person to person, as treatment depends on the type and severity of uncontrolled eye movements you experience.

That’s why it’s important to consult an eye doctor who recommends the best treatment option for you and monitors your progress.

Some of the possible acquired and congenital nystagmus treatment options include:

• Glasses or contact lenses. These lenses are designed to correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness or astigmatism that may worsen uncontrolled eye movements.
• Medications. These reduce the eye movements and the dizziness caused by nystagmus. Some examples are baclofen, gabapentin, memantine and clonazepam.
• Surgery. Procedures used as congenital nystagmus treatment are done to change the position of the eye muscles or the nerves that control them. This reduces the head tilt or turn that some people with nystagmus adopt to see better. It also improves the alignment of the eyes and the visual acuity. Children benefit from this type of procedure, which is another reason to rely on NYC-based Eye Physicians as they have experienced pediatric eye doctors on staff to work with your kids.
• Biofeedback. This is a technique that teaches you how to control your eye movements voluntarily. It involves using sensors to monitor your eye movements as they provide feedback through sounds or images. This helps you find and maintain the position where your eye movements are minimal and your vision is optimal.

Where Can I Find a Nystagmus Specialist Near Me?

Eye Physicians in New York City is based in Downtown Manhattan and employs a team of ophthalmologists and optometrists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating nystagmus using the latest technology and techniques.

At Eye Physicians in New York City, you also have access to a variety of treatments for nystagmus and other eye conditions with innovative treatments that include:

• LipiFlow
• BlephEx
• Lazy eye surgery
• Laser coagulation

Nystagmus is a treatable condition with effective methods to improve your vision and quality of life. However, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as delaying treatment leads to more complications and worse outcomes. Take action today and contact Eye Physicians in New York City to book your appointment.

Page Updated on Jul 5, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians

Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814

Disclaimer