What Is the Eye Condition Nystagmus?

QUESTION: My roommate at college has a condition of her eyes that I believe
is called "nystagmus". I have never discussed this with her but would like to
know a bit more about the condition. Will you please help?
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ANSWER: Nystagmus is an involuntary, repeated, jittery movement of the eyes.
Sometimes it is caused by a brain lesion, which may have been inherited. It
may be caused by a congenital impairment of vision in the eye or optic nerve.
People with vision problems such as extreme near or farsightedness, scars in
the retina or optic nerve, or albinism may suffer with nystagmus. Rarely, it
can occur from a brain tumor or neurologic disorder. If the cause can be
determined and removed, the condition can be cured but often it is permanent.
Glasses with prisms or eye muscle surgery may improve the head position and
allow better vision in cases where the eyes are more stable when looking in a
certain direction. Low vision aids can help in those cases caused by reduced
vision. Eye medications and biofeedback rarely help control the nystagmus.
With this basic information, you might try discussing it with your roommate.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.