Many people can create a rapid, conscious oscillation of their eyes, commonly referred to as “eye shaking” or “eye wiggling.” This deliberate action allows an individual to initiate a high-frequency, back-and-forth movement of the eyeballs. The skill is relatively rare, estimated to be present in about 5% to 8% of the population, and is a conscious motor feat. Individuals who possess this control can start and stop the rapid movement at will.
The Physiology of Voluntary Eye Wiggling
The ability to voluntarily shake the eyes relies on the rapid, coordinated action of the extraocular muscles, primarily the medial rectus and lateral rectus muscles, which control horizontal movement. These muscles quickly pull the eye toward the nose (adduction) and away from the nose (abduction). The movement consists of a rapid series of conjugate saccades, which are extremely fast, jump-like eye movements.
This voluntary oscillation is characterized by a high frequency, typically ranging between 10 and 30 Hertz, meaning the eyes can shift direction 10 to 30 times per second. The amplitude of these movements is small, usually only 2 to 6 degrees. The neural command originates from pathways associated with the rapid eye movement system, bypassing normal gaze-holding mechanisms in the brainstem. This process requires a conscious burst of effort and is difficult to sustain for more than a few seconds before the eye muscles fatigue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Learning the Movement
Initiating this movement often requires first placing the eye muscles in a specific, high-tension state. A common prerequisite is extreme convergence, or “crossing your eyes,” by focusing intently on a point very close to the face. This action activates the medial rectus muscles and primes the oculomotor system for rapid, alternating contractions.
Once the eyes are converged, the next step involves consciously attempting to “vibrate” or “flick” the eyes back and forth as quickly as possible. This is not a slow, deliberate movement but a sudden, intense muscular command to oscillate. Many individuals find it easier to initiate the oscillation when looking to the extreme left or right, or with the eyes slightly unfocused.
Approach this practice with caution, as not everyone can learn this skill. If any pain, strain, or prolonged visual discomfort occurs, the practice should be immediately stopped. The goal is to activate a rapid, alternating pulse of motor commands, but forcing the eyes can lead to eye strain. The ability to perform this is likely tied to individual neurological wiring.
Distinguishing Voluntary Skill from Medical Nystagmus
The voluntary act of eye shaking is formally known as voluntary nystagmus, but it is fundamentally different from pathological nystagmus, which is an involuntary eye movement disorder. The most significant distinction is control: the voluntary movement can be initiated and stopped by conscious thought. Pathological nystagmus, by contrast, is uncontrollable, persistent, and often a symptom of an underlying medical issue.
The waveform of the movement also differs significantly. Voluntary eye shaking consists entirely of rapid saccades, which are fast movements in both directions. Involuntary nystagmus often features a “jerk” pattern, where the eye drifts slowly in one direction and then rapidly corrects back in the other. This slow drift phase is a sign of a failure in the brain’s gaze-holding system.
A key indicator that the movement may be a health concern is if it occurs without conscious effort, is sustained for long periods, or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or a sudden change in vision. Any experience of rapid, uncontrollable eye movements warrants a consultation with an eye care professional or neurologist. These involuntary oscillations can be linked to issues in the brain, inner ear, or visual system and require medical evaluation.