Nystagmus is a visual disturbance characterized by uncontrollable and repetitive eye movements. This condition can be caused by various things, ranging from congenital disorders to certain diseases. Treatment also needs to be adjusted to the cause of the nystagmus.
Nystagmus can occur in one eye or both. In addition to causing disturbances in eye movement, people with nystagmus can also experience several other symptoms, such as blurred or blurry vision, being too sensitive to light stimuli or easily feeling glare, and difficulty seeing in dark conditions.
People who experience nystagmus will also feel dizzy and feel the sensation as if the place where their feet are shaking or moving. The symptoms of nystagmus can also worsen when the sufferer experiences stress or fatigue.
Various Causes of Nystagmus
The following are some of the causes of nystagmus:
1. Birth defects
Nystagmus that occurs since birth is caused by impaired eye nerve development in controlling eye movement. This condition is called infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS).
In addition to eye nerve abnormalities from birth, nystagmus can also be caused by other congenital diseases, such as albinism, congenital cataracts, and crossed eyes.
Symptoms of nystagmus due to this condition can appear in newborns up to about 2 months of age. INS is usually mild and does not cause serious complications later in life. In fact, some people who suffer from nystagmus are sometimes not aware of their condition.
2. Disorders of the eye
There are several problems or health problems in the eye that can cause nystagmus, including cataracts and disorders of eye refraction, such as nearsightedness and cylinder eyes or astigmatism. The disease makes it difficult for the eye to focus, causing nystagmus.
3. Nervous disorders
Nystagmus can also be caused by abnormalities in the optic nerve or brain. Some diseases or disorders of the nerves that can cause nystagmus are epilepsy, stroke, and stroke multiple sclerosis.
4. Head injury
Head injuries, such as from an accident while driving or playing sports and a hard blow to the head, can cause disturbances in the part of the brain that controls eye movement.
5. Vertigo
Vertigo is a condition that causes sufferers to feel dizzy and feel their surroundings spin. Irregular eye movements or nystagmus usually occurs when vertigo symptoms recur.
Vertigo that causes nystagmus can result from a number of conditions or diseases, including ear infections, Meniere's disease, tumors of the inner ear nerves (acoustic neuromas), and Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
In addition to some of the causes above, nystagmus can also be caused by the side effects of certain drugs, such as antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs, alcohol or drug consumption, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
If you experience symptoms of nystagmus, immediately visit an ophthalmologist for proper treatment. The ophthalmologist will usually first perform an eye examination to confirm the condition and find out the cause.
The examination is carried out by tracing the symptoms that appear and the patient's medical history, the history of treatment that has been or is being taken by the patient, as well as environmental conditions that may cause vision problems.
After that, the doctor will perform tests, such as refraction tests and scans, to determine the diagnosis and cause of the nystagmus.
Nystagmus Treatment Steps
Nystagmus caused by birth defects or genetic disorders can't be cured, but symptoms can be alleviated. Meanwhile, nystagmus caused by certain conditions can be cured as long as the disease or medical condition that caused the nystagmus has been treated.
Nystagmus needs to be treated according to the cause. Some treatments that can be given by doctors to treat nystagmus are:
1. Vision aids
In people with mild nystagmus from birth or because of hereditary factors, the doctor may recommend using glasses, contact lenses, or adjusting the lighting around the house. With this effort, it is hoped that the nystagmus will subside on its own without additional treatment.
2. Drugs
Doctors can prescribe medications to treat certain diseases that cause nystagmus. For example, if the nystagmus is caused by an inner ear infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
To treat nystagmus caused by vertigo, your doctor may prescribe antivertigo medications, such as: betahistine, antihistamines, and anti-nausea drugs, such as ondansetron.
On the other hand, to treat nystagmus caused by a side effect of certain medications, your doctor may suggest that you stop taking the medication for some time.
3. Injections botulinum toxin
Injection botulinum toxin or botox is commonly used in cosmetic procedures. However, this injection can also be used to treat nystagmus caused by disorders of the nerves and muscles of the eye. However, the injection effect botulinum toxin usually only temporary.
4. Eye surgery
For cases of severe nystagmus or caused by eye disorders, the doctor may perform a tenotomy or surgery on the eye muscles to correct the position of the muscles that control eye movement.
While it doesn't completely treat nystagmus, it can help improve vision.
5. Suggestions for a healthy lifestyle
So that the nystagmus does not recur, the doctor will also advise the sufferer to stop smoking and consuming alcohol, not to use drugs, and to have a healthy diet.
In conclusion, nystagmus is an eye or nerve disorder that can cause visual disturbances. In certain cases, people with nystagmus may need the help of others in carrying out their daily activities due to the visual disturbances they experience.
Because it can be caused by many things, the treatment of nystagmus can vary, depending on the cause. Therefore, you need to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of nystagmus. Once the cause of the nystagmus is known, the doctor will provide appropriate treatment.