What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes which often seriously reduces vision. Few people with nystagmus can drive and most encounter some difficulties in every day life, education and employment. Read some experiences from people with Nystagmus.

Who gets nystagmus?

Anyone can get nystagmus. Every year hundreds of children are born to parents with no family history of nystagmus as well as to families where the condition already exists, Nystagmus which occurs in infancy has many names including Congenital Nystagmus, Infantile Nystagmus and Early Onset Nystagmus.

In addition, every year hundreds of adults develop (acquire) nystagmus due to accidents or illnesses such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. This is generally known as Acquired Nystagmus.

What causes nystagmus?

Nystagmus is associated with many conditions and illnesses. Although we don't fully understand the mechanisms behind nystagmus, experts group the causes under three broad headings:

• Sensory (linked to problems with the eyes such as childhood cataracts)
• Neurological
• Idiopathic (no known cause)

How can NN help?

Parents and families
Many parents of babies and children with nystagmus contact us every year. Our first message is: Don't worry. Nystagmus is not the end of the world. Nystagmus does present challenges, but we can help you overcome them as you will see from this website, our newsletter and other publications. We can answer your questions by email or phone and put you in touch with other parents, with adults who have nystagmus and with medical and other experts. For answers to frequently asked questions about nystagmus click here.

Adults with early onset nystagmus
If you're an adult and have had nystagmus since childhood (variously called early onset nystagmus, congenital nystagmus, infantile nystagmus syndrome), you already know many of the challenges it presents -- for instance probably not being able to drive, wondering where to look during job interviews and simply explaining wobbly eyes to others. Many adults tell us how reassuring it is to hear from others how they cope with nystagmus. We also keep you up to date with medical and other developments in our research section.

Adults with late onset nystagmus
Nystagmus can also start in later life when it is usually called Acquired Nystagmus (AN) or late onset nystagmus. Like early onset nystagmus, late onset nystagmus has many possible causes ranging from stroke and multiple sclerosis to head trauma and neurological problems. The effects are generally similar to early onset nystagmus with one exception – people with late onset nystagmus are more likely to see the world moving. In some cases, drugs such as memantine and gabapentin can reduce the symptoms of late onset nystagmus. The Nystagmus Network helps by listening, advising and putting you in touch with others who have this condition.

Health, social services and the voluntary sector
We work closely with professionals in hospitals, optometry, social services and other charities. We can provide the emotional and practical support that hospital staff often have neither the time nor resources for. For instance, we can answer difficult questions about driving and what it's like to have nystagmus. See the resources section of this website for useful downloads.

Teachers and other education professionals
Nystagmus is the most common form of visual impairment among young people. Specialist teachers of the visually impaired tell us that well over half the children they work with have nystagmus (often with other eye conditions). We can explain what it's like to have nystagmus and suggest strategies to support young people in education with. See the resources section of this website for more information.

For more information about Nystagmus in English click here. Fact sheets in German and Italian are also available.