This patient has a condition called nystagmus.
Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. The patterns can happen side to side (like in this patient's case), up and down, in a circular motion or a combination.
Nystagmus can be congenital (happens at birth) or acquired (happens later in life) and can be caused by:
- Family history of nystagmus
- Albinism (lack of color, or pigmentation, in the skin)
- A wide range of eye problems in infants, such as cataracts or strabismus Inner ear problems, such as Meniere’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Head injury, concussion, TBIs
- Use of certain medications, such as lithium or anti-seizure medications
- Alcohol or drug use