Some individuals experience involuntary eye movements, often described as “eye shakes.” This phenomenon can impact visual clarity. This article explores the characteristics of these eye movements, their underlying causes, and available management strategies.
What Are Eye Shakes?
The medical term for eye shakes is nystagmus. Nystagmus involves rhythmic, uncontrolled oscillations of the eyes. These movements can occur in various directions, including horizontally (side-to-side), vertically (up-and-down), or rotationally. The speed and amplitude of these oscillations can vary between individuals and situations.
Nystagmus typically results in reduced visual acuity and can affect depth perception. For some, it causes a subjective sensation that the world is shaking, known as oscillopsia, especially in acquired cases. Individuals might also adopt unusual head postures to compensate and minimize eye movements, finding a “null zone” where the movements are less pronounced.
Underlying Reasons for Eye Shakes
The causes of nystagmus are diverse, ranging from conditions present at birth to those that develop later in life. Congenital nystagmus often appears in infancy, usually between 6 weeks and 3 months of age. While the exact cause is sometimes unclear, it can be linked to genetic factors or developmental issues with the brain or eye. Conditions such as albinism, underdeveloped optic nerves, or congenital cataracts are sometimes associated with infantile nystagmus.
Acquired nystagmus develops later in childhood or adulthood and often signals an underlying medical condition. Inner ear disorders, such as labyrinthitis, can disrupt the balance mechanisms that help control eye movements. Neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, brain injury, or stroke, can also affect the brain pathways responsible for stable vision.
Certain medications, particularly anticonvulsants or sedatives, can induce nystagmus as a side effect. Alcohol and drug use are also known to cause temporary nystagmus. Fatigue and stress can exacerbate existing nystagmus, making the eye movements more noticeable.
When to Consult a Professional
Consult a professional if eye shakes appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms. Changes in vision, such as increased blurriness or the sensation of the world shaking (oscillopsia), are also indicators to consult a doctor.
Symptoms like dizziness, headache, or balance issues alongside eye shakes suggest a deeper underlying cause that requires investigation. Other neurological symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, or coordination problems, should also prompt a medical consultation. During diagnosis, an eye care specialist or neurologist may perform a thorough eye exam, neurological assessment, and potentially imaging tests like an MRI to identify the root cause.
Approaches to Managing Eye Shakes
Management strategies for nystagmus depend on its underlying cause, with the goal of improving visual function and reducing symptoms. If an identifiable and treatable root cause, such as an inner ear infection or medication side effects, is found, addressing it can resolve or improve nystagmus.
Vision correction with prescription glasses or contact lenses can optimize visual acuity and help stabilize eye movements. In some cases, specialized prism lenses can be incorporated into eyewear to help shift the image and reduce perceived movement. Certain medications, like gabapentin or baclofen, may be prescribed to reduce the intensity of eye movements in adults with acquired nystagmus.
Surgical options, such as Kestenbaum surgery, are sometimes considered for severe cases, especially when there is a significant compensatory head posture. This surgery repositions eye muscles to minimize head turns and improve vision. Coping strategies for daily life include adjusting reading distance, optimizing lighting conditions, and reducing stress, as fatigue and anxiety can worsen nystagmus symptoms.