What is nystagmus?
nystagmus is the word used to describe the involuntary movement of the eyes. It is characterized by a slow, sweeping movement in one direction, followed by an eye that quickly cracked back in the opposite direction. Most often it includes both eyes and can be exaggerated when one moves through the eyes to look in a certain direction. The presence of the state of nystagm can be benign and harmless, or it may be an indication of pathology or a basic problem. There are many classifications of nystagmus, depending on the reason for its presence and the time of life in which it is obvious.
Some types of nystagmus are actually considered normal. For example, when a person looks far towards one direction, a small twitching of the eye muscles to bring the eye back to the center, is not unusual or the reason for concern. Most other varieties are the result of either disease, trauma or neurological disorders.
Nystagmus is present at birth and is discovered when a child is at a very small age. In this case, it is usually calledA manifest of nystagmus, if present at all times, or latent nystagmus, if this happens only when one eye is covered. There is also a manifest-with-lasting nystagmus, somewhat a combination of both, where it is always present to some extent, but deteriorates when one eye is covered. In some cases, this is an isolated problem and is not associated with any other problems.
If the condition is not present at birth, but is carried by an event later in life, it is referred to as the acquired nystagmus. In this case, most often is a type of neurological problem in its root. Some of the many conditions that can cause nystagmus are multiple sclerosis, brain tumors and Wernicke encephalopathy. Abuse of harmful or controlled substances such as phencecelidine (PCP), dietylamide of lysergic acid (LSD), barbiturates, lithium and antidepressants can alsobring.
It was traditionally assumed that innate nystagmus could not be treated, but some drugs developed in recent years have shown some potential for its treatment. Other treatments that do not include drugs have worked for some who suffer, and this includes contact lenses, low vision rehabilitation and some surgical treatment. It was not found that it is not the only treatment of comprehensive treatment, but more drugs and surgical corrective techniques continue to develop.