Premium
The neurological approach to ocular instability
Author(s) -
MILEA D
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2008.4323.x
Subject(s) - nystagmus , jerk , medicine , eye movement , fixation (population genetics) , ophthalmology , audiology , physics , population , environmental health , classical mechanics , acceleration
Purpose Several neurological conditions can cause acquired instable eyes, nystagmus being certainly the most common finding in this setting. Methods Nystagmus is an involuntary repetitive to‐and‐fro movement of the eyes, initiated by a slow ocular drift. The slow phase can be followed by a rapid return (in jerk nystagmus) or a repetitive slow phase only (pendular nystagmus). Results A simple diagnostic algorithm of neurological nystagmus and other causes of ocular instability will be presented. Conclusion Neurological nystagmus is only one of the aspects of acquired instable fixation. A precise clinical description of nystagmus is conditioning the subsequent diagnostic and management algorithm.