Best Nystagmus Doctors in Mumbai

Types/Stages of Nystagmus

Nystagmus manifests in two primary forms:

• Congenital Nystagmus: This type appears in infants between 6 weeks and 3 months of age. It is often hereditary and may be associated with conditions like albinism, congenital cataracts, or aniridia (absence of the iris).

• Acquired Nystagmus: This form emerges later in life, more frequently in adults.

  It can result from certain medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumours, substance abuse (including alcohol), or head injuries.

Symptoms of Nystagmus

The symptoms of nystagmus can vary among individuals but typically include:

• Excessive, uncontrollable eye movements

• Sensitivity to light

• Issues with balance

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Dizziness and vertigo

• Problems with reading small print

• Learning difficulties in children

• Head tilting or turning to improve vision

Tests to Diagnose Nystagmus

The diagnosis of Nystagmus is often based on a combination of clinical examination and tests. These may include:

• A detailed medical history: This helps doctors understand the onset, progression, and potential triggers of the nystagmus.

• A visual acuity test: This test uses an eye chart to measure the clarity of the patient’s vision, determining if corrective lenses are needed.

• A dilated eye exam: This involves using special eye drops to widen (dilate) the pupils, enabling doctors to examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye using a magnifying lens.

• Eye movement recordings: This helps determine the type of nystagmus (e.g., horizontal, vertical, or rotary) and provides insight into the severity and characteristics of the involuntary eye movements.

• Brain MRI: In cases of acquired nystagmus, an MRI scan of the brain may be performed to evaluate neurological structures and detect underlying conditions such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, or stroke.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Nystagmus at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

At Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai, patients with nystagmus have access to various treatment options and the best doctors specialising in treating nystagmus. These may include:

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses: While they do not correct nystagmus, these optical aids can improve visual acuity and reduce eye strain by correcting refractive errors.

• Assistive devices: These include magnifying devices, increased lighting, and large format text, to help individuals with reading and performing detailed tasks.

• Medication or therapy: These are prescribed to manage acquired nystagmus caused by underlying medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumours.

• Surgical options: In certain cases, surgical procedures like tenotomy (cutting a muscle tendon) or recession (repositioning) of extraocular muscles may be considered to reduce the eye movements associated with Nystagmus.