Do you get uncontrollably rapid eye movements that give the feeling that something is shaky? This condition can be called nystagmus. Here we will discuss nystagmus, how it affects eyesight, and how athletes with this condition can overcome the difficulties and continue participating in their preferred sports.
Nystagmus, often referred to as “shaky eyes”, is a condition where the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements can affect one or both eyes and can occur in different directions: horizontal, vertical, or circular. These involuntary, shaky eyes can lead to impaired balance and coordination and result in reduced vision and depth perception.
There are mainly two types of nystagmus that can be faced by an individual.
This type of condition can be present with birth or develop in the first few months of life. It is associated with genetic conditions or developmental issues and is usually non-progressive.
This type of condition can occur later in life due to various reasons, such as brain injuries, inner problems, certain medications, or alcohol and drug abuse.
The precise cause of nystagmus is not always known but is often linked to issues with the part of the brain that controls eye movement. Some of the causes that include shaky eyes are as follows:
Nystagmus can directly impact vision, depending on the severity and direction of eye movements and the key effects include:
Nystagmus cannot always be cured but it is somehow manageable reducing symptoms and improving quality of life by using several strategies. Some of them are:
Nystagmus is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist through a comprehensive eye exam. They might send you to a primary care physician or another medical specialist for further testing since it is the result of underlying health problems. Then, they will examine the inside of your eyes and test your vision to diagnose nystagmus in the following ways:
Treating nystagmus focuses on reducing symptoms and improving vision. The treatment plan depends on the type and cause of nystagmus, like:
Nystagmus may pose distinctive challenges for athletes, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a sports career. With the right implementation of strategies and support, athletes can continue to excel in their chosen sports field. Their sportsmanship, even with the nystagmus, serves as an inspiration and a testament to the fact that nothing can stop them from achieving their sporting success.
Using contact lenses or glasses with prisms can help stabilize vision. They might benefit from tinted lenses to reduce glare and improve the disparity. For example, using tinted glasses helps enhance visual clarity in bright sunlight.
The athletes should be involved in training programs that focus on building hand-eye coordination, balance, and spatial awareness, which can be very effective. For instance, practicing with a coach who understands the condition and helps develop specific skills to play sports effectively can provide an advantage free from anxiety during a performance.
Using modified equipment, such as larger or brightly colored balls, can help improve visibility and tracking. For example, players with nystagmus might use the sports equipment that is easier to see against various backgrounds.
With regular practice, athletes can adapt to their visual limitations and develop compensatory strategies. For example, a football player might practice dribbling and shooting with a focus on improving their side vision and environmental awareness.
Tailored support and guidance can be gained working with optometrists, occupational therapists, and sports coaches. For example, an occupational therapist might develop exercises to enhance coordination and balance.
It cannot be typically cured, but its symptoms can be managed with treatments such as glasses, contact lenses, medications, vision therapy, and some reliable surgery.
Yes, absolutely. With appropriate support, accommodations, and strategies, children can perform well academically and participate fully in activities.
Some forms of congenital nystagmus can be hereditary, but not all cases are inherited. Hereditary nystagmus requires genetic counseling too.
It causes reduced visual acuity, poor depth perception, and coordination issues, bringing challenges to fast-moving objects, judging distances, and maintaining balance. That's how shaky eyes can cause issues in sports performance.
Nystagmus or shaky eyes, can pose significant challenges to vision and daily activities. However, with the right management techniques and treatment, individuals with nystagmus can lead fulfilling lives. For athletes, the condition might evolve new hurdles, but with adaptive techniques and assistance, they can continue to excel in their sports.
Prevention is better than a cause so if you or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms of nystagmus or any other vision-related issues, it is better to seek professional help immediately. So, don’t wait and schedule your appointment today, and feel free to contact us at our eye care center, Vision Concern.
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
