HAVE YOU HEARD OF A COMPLEX EYE CONDITION CALLED NYSTAGMUS?

DUBAI — Nystagmus is a relatively unheard of, but complex eye condition. The Nystagmus Awareness Day was marked around the world in June and there is no better time to learn about the visual impairment, which causes involuntary eye movements and affects one in 1,000 people.

Flickering from side to side or from up and down, nystagmus is caused by an altered functioning of the brain, especially in the area that is responsible for eye movement and positioning. Two forms of the conditions exist: The first variant appears in the early months of infancy and the second develops later in life.

Experts from Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai said the condition is common among children and can be congenital (infantile) or acquired. Infantile usually presents itself at birth or in the first six months, while acquired can be caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, a brain tumor, inner ear infection, trauma (head injury) and even as side effects of certain medications.

All types of nystagmus are involuntary, which means that patients have no control over their eyes. Most of these patients have some sort of visual disability, which ranges from very mild to severe. Key indicators of the condition include wobbly eyes, defective vision, and a head tilt.

Nystagmus itself does not have a cure, yet some of its underlying conditions may be treated. With neurological therapy and other treatments, which look to address cataracts and strabismus, those with nystagmus may also consider surgery for their head tilt. As researchers look at methods of prevention and cure, the understanding of the condition remains incomplete. Researchers hope that in the near future, medical practices will be developed to help control the condition and aid those who are subject to it.

Since the condition primarily affects children the most, it is essential to look at the relationship between academic performance and the ailment. With better care, glasses, contact lenses, and low visual aids, children with nystagmus can be nudged towards performing their best in school.