You are here: / / / Nystagmus

Nystagmus

Nystagmus is characterised by uncontrollable movements of the eyes either from side to side or up and down. The constantly moving image causes blurring.

There are two main types of Nystagmus:

  • Infantile or congenital nystagmus which appears in the first few months of life.
  • Acquired nystagmus that develops later in life, due to anything that damages the areas of the brain that control eye movements. This is usually a sign of another underlying condition such as stroke or head injury.

If you have nystagmus, your eyes are always moving, it may not be obvious to you or others. It varies from person to person but doesn’t lead to total loss of sight. It may cause problems with your sight, but with the right support most people can lead full and independent lives.

Currently there is no cure for nystagmus but some of the underlying conditions that cause it may be treatable.

Sometimes it is related to other conditions including Albinism, Cone dystrophy, congenital cataract and Downs syndrome.

For further information or to arrange a visit to our support centre please call 01245933572 or email info@support4sight.org.uk. Or visit the RNIB website www.rnib.org.uk

Nystagmus FAQs

Nystagmus is a vision condition characterised by involuntary, rapid, and repetitive eye movements. These movements can occur side-to-side, up and down, or in a circular pattern. This can affect how clearly you can see. Many people can experience reduced vision.

Nystagmus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to neurological conditions, inner ear disorders, eye muscle problems, medications, or certain systemic diseases.

Vision can vary with nystagmus depending on where you are looking or how you are also feeling.

Symptoms include:

  • Shaky or jumpy vision
  • Difficulty maintaining steady vision
  • Reduced visual acuity
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Poor depth perception
  • Dizziness

Nystagmus affects a relatively small percentage of the population, with congenital nystagmus being more common than acquired nystagmus.

While there is no cure for nystagmus, treatment options focus on managing symptoms and improving visual function. These may include corrective lenses, vision therapy, medications, or surgery in some cases.

Nystagmus can affect activities such as reading, driving, and maintaining balance, especially in cases where vision is significantly impaired. Depending on how much of a person’s sight is affected by nystagmus, they may be eligible to be registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind).

Support groups, educational resources, and assistive technologies such as magnifiers, screen readers, and specialised eyewear can help individuals manage nystagmus and maintain independence in daily life.

Our Impact 2025-26

85%

of survey respondents said we increased their sense of

choice & control

“An excellent time spent hearing about everything that is available to help visually impaired people achieve as much confidence and independence as we can.”

85%

of respondents said we increased their feeling of

social inclusion

Image of 10 people from support 4 sight

“I enjoy talking and laughing with other service users and have learnt so much…I feel like I’ve come away with 12 new friends.”

86%

of respondents said we helped improve their

emotional wellbeing

“I’m so happy you called. I really look forward to it and it cheers me up.”

90%

of respondents said we were good or excellent with our

quality services

Volunteer showing equipment

“You’ve made me feel like having a disability doesn’t define you as a person, and that I can actually get to where I need to be in the future.”

Donate Today!

Legal

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Sign-up to our Newsletter

Read our latest Newsletter online

Sightline Newsletter

Download Events Booklet 2026

Events & Activities

Contact Us

Telephone: 01245 933572
Email: info@support4sight.org.uk

Support 4 Sight
17 Cottage Place
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1NL

Follow us

© Copyright - Support 4 Sight 2026. Registered Charity No. 1169324
Accessibility by WAH