Have you ever noticed that someone’s eyes seem to move from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern without them intentionally moving them?
Or perhaps you’ve noticed something similar when looking in the mirror.
This unusual movement may sometimes be a sign of nystagmus, a condition involving involuntary, repetitive eye movements.
For some people, nystagmus begins during infancy or childhood. For others, it may develop later in life.
The important thing is not to feel embarrassed or frightened by unusual eye movements. Understanding the signs and having your eyes properly assessed can help identify what may be causing them and how your vision can best be supported.
What Does Nystagmus Look Like?
Nystagmus causes the eyes to move involuntarily.
The movement can occur in different ways. The eyes may move:
- From side to side.
- Up and down.
- In a circular or rotational pattern.
- In a combination of movements.
The movement may be more noticeable when a person is tired, stressed, or trying to focus on something.
Sometimes, it may be subtle enough that only the person or someone close to them notices it.
5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Your Eyes Appear to Move Without Control
One of the most obvious signs is repetitive eye movement that you cannot consciously control.
You may notice it yourself, or a family member, friend, teacher, or colleague may point it out.
2. Your Vision Looks Blurry or Unsteady
Some people with nystagmus may experience blurred or unstable vision.
It can sometimes feel as though objects are moving slightly, even when they are stationary.
This can make activities that require clear vision more challenging.
3. You Find It Difficult to Focus
Reading, looking at small objects, or concentrating on something in the distance may become difficult.
You may find yourself needing extra time to bring an object into clear focus.
4. You Tilt or Turn Your Head to See Better
Some people naturally discover a particular head position that helps them see more clearly or reduces the noticeable movement of their eyes.
You might notice yourself frequently tilting or turning your head when reading, watching television, or looking at something far away.
In children, parents or teachers may be the first people to notice this behaviour.
5. You Experience Light Sensitivity or Difficulty Seeing Clearly
Some people with nystagmus may experience sensitivity to bright light or difficulty seeing clearly in certain situations.
The effect on vision can vary considerably from one person to another.
Nystagmus Can Affect People Differently
One important thing to understand is that nystagmus does not look or feel exactly the same in everyone.
For some people, the eye movements are very noticeable.
For others, they may be subtle.
Some people may have relatively good vision despite having nystagmus, while others may experience significant visual difficulties.
This is why an individual eye examination is important.
What About Children?
Nystagmus can sometimes be noticed during infancy or childhood.
Parents may notice:
- Unusual or repetitive eye movements.
- Difficulty focusing on objects.
- Frequent head tilting.
- Difficulty following objects visually.
- Problems seeing things clearly from a distance.
If you notice unusual eye movements in a child, don’t assume they will simply disappear as the child grows.
A comprehensive eye examination can help determine what is happening and whether additional assessment or support is needed.
When Should You See an Eye Care Professional?
If you notice persistent involuntary eye movements, especially when they are accompanied by changes in vision, it is worth having your eyes examined.
You should seek professional assessment if:
- You have recently developed unusual eye movements.
- Your vision has become blurred or unstable.
- You experience difficulty focusing.
- You frequently tilt your head to see clearly.
- A child’s eyes appear to move involuntarily.
- You notice a sudden change in your vision or eye movements.
A sudden onset of nystagmus in an adult should receive prompt medical assessment because it can sometimes be associated with an underlying health or neurological problem.
You Don’t Have to Live With Unanswered Questions
Seeing your eyes move involuntarily can understandably raise questions:
“Why is this happening?”
“Will it affect my vision?”
“Can anything be done about it?”
The answers depend on the individual and the underlying cause.
The first step is understanding what is happening through an appropriate eye examination.
At Enny Eye Care, our eye care professionals can assess your vision and eye health and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Your Eyes Deserve to Be Understood
Nystagmus is more than simply “eyes that move.”
For some people, it can affect how they see, read, work, study, move around, or interact with the world.
Recognizing the signs is the first step toward understanding your vision.
If you or someone you know has persistent involuntary eye movements, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them.
Book a comprehensive eye examination with Enny Eye Care and take the first step toward understanding your eye health.
Coming Up Next
In the next article, we’ll take a closer look at what nystagmus actually is, the different types, possible causes, and how it can affect vision.
Understanding your eyes is the first step to caring for them.