Abnormal eye movements impact a person's appearance and visual function. The eyes may oscillate side to side---a condition called "nystagmus." Alternatively, the motion may be restricted or jerky, or the eye may appear to be wandering. Many children with developmental disabilities experience eye movement disorders that interfere with using eyes together. Abnormal eye movements are associated with strokes, brain injury, vestibular disorders and neurological diseases. Some subtle eye movement disorders are not obvious, but may impact reading.
Types
Children with developmental disabilities frequently present with a condition called strabismus, in which the eyes are misaligned or wander. The eyes might turn inward, outward or upward. Another condition, called nystagmus, causes involuntary rhythmic shaking of the eyes. According to optometrists Richard L. Windsor and Laura K. Windsor, there are more than 45 types of nystagmus. The American Nystagmus Network reports that there are many types of adult-onset nystagmus--sometimes called oscillopsia--that cause problems with vision and balance. Symptoms range from mild blurring to a more extreme condition, in which objects appear to be rapidly and periodically jumping. Finally, some conditions, such as cranial nerve damage and strokes, can interfere with the ability to close the eyes and blink.
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Causes
There are six muscles in the eye orbit that control movement. Disorders such as Parkinson's disease that cause general muscle weakness or decreased coordination will affect eye movement. Neurological diseases, tumors, and brain injuries can also cause abnormal eye movement. For example, multiple sclerosis can affect the eyes.
Treatments
Many pediatric conditions can be corrected with glasses, surgery or eye exercises. Children who have eyes moving in different directions may neglect the weaker eye in favor of the better aligned or stronger eye. This disuse can cause blindness. Treatment may include patching the stronger eye in order to promote use of the neglected eye, or sometimes surgery. Other treatments depend on the underlying cause. For example, if a tumor is causing the abnormal eye movements, the tumor will need to be treated.
Prevention
Some conditions such as Friedrich's ataxia are inherited, and genetic counseling may prevent new cases. Other diseases are caused by lifestyle factors that may be altered. For example, chronic alcoholism can cause a type of dementia called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms include nystagmus, double vision and eye lid drooping. Finally, dietary changes such as consuming a low-fat diet may lower risk factors for certain causes of abnormal eye movements, such as stroke.
Considerations
There are hundreds of disorders and diseases that present with symptoms that include abnormal eye movements. Abnormal eye movements such as nystagmus, wandering eyes, drooping eyes and inability to blink effectively may be an early symptom of a movement disorder, muscle weakness or neurological disease. Individuals with abnormal eye movement should be sure to find an accurate diagnosis in order to receive prompt treatment of a potentially serious medical condition.
