How is nystagmus treated?

The treatment of nystagmus is a comprehensive process. 1. Treating the underlying cause is key, as nystagmus is usually not an independent disease but rather a symptom of another condition. 2. General treatments include refractive correction and wearing prisms. For sensory-deprivation nystagmus, improving visual acuity is the main goal, which can be achieved through optical correction such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. Patients with congenital motor nystagmus may benefit from wearing prisms to eliminate compensatory head posture and improve vision. 3. Regarding pharmacological treatment, there are currently no drugs specifically approved for nystagmus that offer both clear efficacy and safety. However, certain medications, such as antiepileptic drugs (e.g., gabapentin) and muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen), may help reduce nystagmus in some cases. These medications are not suitable for all patients and must be used under medical supervision. 4. Surgical intervention may be effective for some patients with congenital nystagmus, although surgery cannot cure nystagmus completely. The optimal age for surgery is generally considered to be between 6 and 10 years. Postoperative visual rehabilitation training is necessary following surgery.