Examination and refractive management of patients with nystagmus

Abstract

Patients with nystagmus present unique challenges to the ophthalmologist. These patients can be difficult to examine and refract. Treatment options to improve vision or reduce disturbing visual symptoms are limited, which is disappointing to the patient and frustrating to the clinician. This paper will provide the clinician with one method of clinically organizing nystagmus, describe the patients who may benefit from optical treatments, and discuss the methodology used in their implementation. Techniques that will be discussed include patient examination and objective and subjective refraction. Optical treatments discussed include spectacles, prisms, contact lenses, and retinal image stabilization.