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Nystagmus

What is nystagmus?

Nystagmus is an uncontrolled eye movement or wobble. The eye movements

  • are usually side to side
  • can be up and down
  • are in a circular motion (rare)
  • may be fast or slow
  • may be with low or high frequency

Most people with nystagmus will have reduced vision. Children do not know that they are doing it, and for them their vision is typical.

People with nystagmus may find that tilting their head to one side can reduce the amount of eye wobble. This position is called the ‘null point’ and will temporarily help to improve vision. Children or young people should not be discouraged from adopting it for looking tasks.

Vision can also vary depending on how the child or young person is feeling. For example, the eye movements can become bigger and faster when stressed, tired or nervous.

Nystagmus can also affect the ability to scan, a skill which is important when reading. Most children with nystagmus move around with few problems, giving the impression that they have no difficulty with their vision.

What can help?

  • Pupil wearing their clean glasses.
  • Be aware that a child or young person may choose to use a head turn or need to move to improve vision.
  • Low vision aids and the use of technology such as screen sharing software will support access to the curriculum.
  • A bookmark under the current line of text can help to keep the place when reading.
  • Regular short breaks may significantly ease eye movements.
  • Child or young person seated in the optimum position to be able to see the board and focus of the lesson clearly
  • Give extra time to complete tasks
  • Checking understanding by using discreet questioning
  • Reduce glare by turning off overhead lighting, pulling blinds or changing the background colour on interactive whiteboard
  • Resources are in appropriate font size, clear print with reduced clutter and on maximum A4
  • Provide appropriate resources in advance of learning opportunities e.g. key vocabulary
  • Own copy of resources
  • UK education collection | RNIB Bookshare, accessible books for print disabled learners

For more information on nystagmus