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Nystagmus refers to involuntary (or voluntary in rare cases) repetitive eye movements which take away the possibility to keep the eyes fixed on any given object. This often leads to reduced vision in the individual. It may be caused by a congenital disorder, sleep deprivation, acquired or central nervous system disorders, toxicity, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol or rotational movement. Nystagmus affects people of all ages, albinos, people with inner ear problems can develop nystagmus, and people with systemic conditions like cerebral palsy.

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Nystagmoid eye movements are classified clinically as either jerk or pendular eye movements. Nystagmus can also be classified as infantile nystagmus, manifest nystagmus, latent nystagmus, manifest-latent type, and acquired nystagmus.

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Infantile nystagmus is present at birth or occurs shortly after. With this condition, the eyes move together as they oscillate. Manifest nystagmus is always present whereas latent nystagmus occurs only when one eye is covered. Latent nystagmus is a congenital condition that is often associated with strabismus and amblyopia. Manifest- latent type, however, the nystagmus is always present, but it worsens when one eye is covered. Acquired nystagmus can be caused by a disease, an accident or a neurological problem.

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Management is directed at reducing the manifestations of nystagmus by improving visual acuity and enhancing binocularity. Management that can improve nystagmus include: optical measures (such as the use of refractive correction, added lenses, and prism), vision therapy procedures, medications, and ocular muscle surgery

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