Overview and Facts about Abnormal Eye Movements
Abnormal eye movements result from problems with the neuromuscular system related to eye movement. Various neuromuscular abnormalities can result in eye movement problems including those related to disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
While abnormal eye movement may be the result of an ophthalmologic problem, various neurologic causes should always be considered. Abnormal eye movements can affect both children and adults and develop abruptly, depending on the causes.
The development of abnormal eye movement in both adults and children always require immediate examination by a health care provider.
Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Eye Movements
The most apparent symptom associated with abnormal eye movements is visual impairment and noticeable signs of unusual or aimless eye movement. In some infants, abnormal eye movements occur at birth, possibly indicating poor vision in the long-term.
However, in some cases newborn infants, particularly premature infants, may demonstrate abnormal eye movements which quickly return to normal as the visual system develops.
Causes and Risk Factors of Abnormal Eye Movements
Abnormal eye movements can develop over time if they are age-dependent. The most common forms of abnormal eye movement are termed nystagmus, in which both eyes move together in short erratic patterns and strabismus, in which one eye is turned out or in.
Strabismus is a disorder that results in misaligned eye movements due to poor eye muscle coordination. Nystagmus causes fast or uncontrolled eye movements.
Various causes of abnormal eye movements include:
-
Injuries to the eye or eye muscles
-
Neurologic abnormalities
-
Neurotoxins
-
Blindness
-
Mechanical problems in the eye
-
Obstructed vision in one eye during childhood
Tests and Diagnosis of Abnormal Eye Movements
An eye exam determines whether true abnormal eye movement is present and identifies the underlying causes of it. The eye exam includes an assessment of the patient’s medical history, eye muscles, and nerve function.
Dilating eye drops may be used during the eye exam to enlarge the pupil of the eye to look inside it. Light reflex testing, or Hirschberg testing, assesses light reflexes, or the eye’s muscular response to light.
Treatment and Care for Abnormal Eye Movements
Currently, there are no cures for abnormal eye movements. However, in some cases, corrective glasses and eyewear, eye muscle exercises and surgery can treat the condition, depending on the cause of the abnormal eye movements.
For instance, if weak eye muscles are the cause of abnormal eye movements, eye muscle repair through surgery might be necessary.
Essentially, if the underlying cause of the abnormal eye movement is treatable, then the abnormal eye movement will likely cease once the underlying cause is addressed and corrected.
