Nystagmus: Clinical characteristics and therapeutic options

This article presents an overview of the pathophysiology of nystagmus and the differential diagnostics of congenital and acquired nystagmus. In addition, the principles of conservative, surgical and pharmacotherapy treatment options are described. The pathophysiological basis of nystagmus deepens the understanding of the etiology of the individual forms of nystagmus. The therapeutic approach to calming of nystagmus aims at an extension of the foveation time, which has the most significant impact on visual acuity. In congenital nystagmus this can be carried out by optimization of the retinal image, prisms or by bilateral surgical muscle repositioning to use the phenomenon of a null or neutral zone. In acquired nystagmus the off-label use of centrally acting medications can sometimes be helpful to calm the nystagmus and the associated oscillopsia. © 2017, Springer-Verlag Wien.