Best Nystagmus Doctors in Visakhapatnam

Nystagmus is a vision condition characterised by involuntary, rapid, and repetitive eye movements. It can either be congenital, appearing in infants between six weeks and three months of age and often inherited from parents genetically, or acquired later in life due to medical conditions, drug or alcohol use, or head injuries.

Apollo Hospitals in Vizag boast some of the best doctors specialising in nystagmus treatment and specialists. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly to provide excellent medical care to individuals dealing with this challenging eye condition.

Types/Stages of Nystagmus

There are primarily two types of Nystagmus:

• Congenital Nystagmus: This form occurs in newborns and infants. It is typically noticed by parents between six weeks and three months after birth.

• Acquired Nystagmus: This type develops later in life, often in adulthood. It can be triggered by various factors, including serious medical conditions, drug/alcohol use or head injuries.

Symptoms of Nystagmus

People suffering from Nystagmus often experience:

• Excessive and uncontrollable eye movements

• Sensitivity to light

• Balance issues

• Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions

• Dizziness and vertigo

• Unstable or blurry vision

Tests to Diagnose Nystagmus

To diagnose nystagmus effectively, several tests may be employed by doctors specialising in nystagmus treatment:

• Detailed Medical History: A comprehensive review of the patient's medical background helps identify any genetic predispositions, past illnesses, or medications that may contribute to nystagmus.

• Visual Acuity Test: This measures how well the patient can see at various distances, assessing their sharpness of vision.

• Dilated Eye Exam: The doctor uses a special magnifying lens (slit lamp) to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage, inflammation, and other eye problems.

• Slit Lamp Test: This exam provides a detailed view of the eye's anterior segment, including the cornea, iris, lens, and anterior chamber, and can detect abnormalities like cataracts, and glaucoma.

• Eye Movement Recordings: These tests record and analyse eye movements to precisely determine the type, frequency, and pattern of nystagmus.

• Brain MRI: This diagnostic imaging procedure is used to identify any brain abnormalities causing acquired nystagmus.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Nystagmus at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag

The best doctors for Nystagmus treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Vizag offer a range of treatments for Nystagmus, including:

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses: While these assist in improving vision clarity, they do not cure nystagmus.

• Environmental modifications: Patients are advised to use magnifying devices for reading, ensure adequate lighting to reduce visual strain, and use large font sizes for easier readability.

• Addressing underlying medical conditions: If nystagmus is acquired, doctors focus on treating the underlying medical condition that caused it.

• Surgical procedures: In some cases, surgical interventions such as tenotomy (cutting a muscle tendon) or recession (repositioning) of extraocular muscles may be recommended.