NYSTAGMUS

The Affects and Effects on the Visual System Nystagmus causes the eyes to move involuntarily by “shaking” or “wobbling” thus causing the eyes to move horizontally (most common) or vertically. Nystagmus causes varying degrees of vision loss ranging from mild to profound. Early onset nystagmus causes the person’s eyes to rotate back and forth evenly, much like a pendulum. Late onset nystagmus causes a person to have vertigo or dizziness related to the new movement they experience in their vision loss. Nystagmus can accompany astigmatism and retinopathy of prematurely. With the exception of brief experiences of oscillopsia, most individuals with nystagmus perceive objects as being stationary. It is believed that the brain is responsible for the perceptual adjustment.

Treatments Nystagmus cannot be cured but there are several medical and surgical treatments that sometimes help people with nystagmus. Surgery usually reduces the null positions, lessening head tilt and improving cosmetic appearance. Drugs such as Botox or Baclofen can reduce some nystagmic movements, although results are usually temporary. Some people with nystagmus benefit from biofeedback training. A biofeedback machine acts as a kind of sixth sense, which allows patients to "see" or "hear" activity inside their bodies, which may help them to control or correct their eye muscles. Both eyeglasses and contact lenses can help people with nystagmus to see better. Treatment for other underlying eye or medical problems may help to improve or reduce nystagmus.

Type of Condition Nystagmus can be congenital (most common form) when inherited and will appear in early childhood. It may also be adventitious by developing later in life due to an accident or illness. Some types of nystagmus improve throughout childhood while others remain stable.

Anticipated Functional Implications Nystagmus may be helped with prisms and special glasses. The use of large-print books, magnifying devices and increased lighting can also be helpful. The student may need more time to take tests due to increase of stress and decrease of vision loss. They may also turn their eyes or head in a specific manner or need to sit in the front of the classroom. Low vision adaptation may be required or materials can be enlarged and made with higher contrast. The use of yellow acetate sheet will help in keeping the student’s place when looking away toward the board or computer screen. Also the use of a typoscope (card with a rectangular hole, to view one word or line at a time) or a underliner (card or strip of paper to “underline” the line being read) may be helpful.

References American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Nystagmus. Retrieved from http://www.aoa.org/x9763.xml Bishop, V. (n.d.). Nystagmus: Selected Anomalies and Diseases of the Eye. Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Retrieved from http://www.TSBVI.edu Dugdale, David. (2011, February 5). Nystagmus . Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003037.htm Hain, T. (2008, December 10). Nystagmus. Otoneurology Index. Retrieved from http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com Vision RX. (n.d.). Nystagmus. Retrieved from http://visionrx.com/library/enc/enc_nystagmus.asp