Dealing with Nystagmus

ABSTRACT

Nystagmus has a profound impact on patients visual function and social life. Infantile nystagmus (IN) is much more common than neurological nystagmus, and establishing the correct diagnosis is key in guiding the appropriate treatment paradigm. This paper attempts to demonstrate a stepwise approach in investigation and clinical evaluation, that is (often) sufficient in differentiating IN from nystagmus of neurological origin, and to uncover underlying sensory etiologies of IN. Targeted and rational uses of paraclinical exams are emphasized when they deemed necessary to complement the clinical assessment. The author’s preferred surgical and non-surgical strategies to optimize vision, and improve the head posture and strabismus that can accompany nystagmus, are discussed (although without the goal of writing a complete revision on the topic).

KEYWORDS:

• Nystagmus
• infantile nystagmus
• congenital nystagmus
• strabismus

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Drs Jordan Isenberg, Hillel Zukor and Rosanne Superstein for their invaluable help.