May also be called: dancing eyes, rapid eye movements, involuntary eye movements Nystagmus (say: ni-STAG-mus) is fast, uncontrollable eye movements. More to Know The brain and inner ear are involved with the normal function of eye movements. When these areas are not functioning normally, it can cause the eyes to move involuntarily. With nystagmus, the eyes may move from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern, and one or both eyes may be affected. There are many types and causes of nystagmus. It can be present at birth (congenital nystagmus or infantile nystagmus syndrome) or develop later in life (acquired nystagmus). Congenital nystagmus is often mild but some kids may need corrective lenses for vision problems. Acquired nystagmus can be caused by a reaction to certain drugs, medications, or alcohol. In most cases, acquired nystagmus goes away after the cause has been treated. In rare cases, it can be caused by a serious medical condition such as a stroke, cataracts, an inner ear disorder, or a head injury. Brief periods of nystagmus are considered a normal reflex, like when there are sudden changes in position (for example, after a roller coaster ride or after spinning). Keep in Mind Congenital nystagmus may affect eyesight, but vision can be improved by glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Discuss these and other potential treatment options with your doctor. Most cases of acquired nystagmus are treated by dealing with the underlying cause. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are concerned about nystagmus. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles Amblyopia Amblyopia interferes with the way the eye and the brain work together. The result is poor vision. Treatment may involve glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery. Read More Eye Injuries You can treat many minor eye irritations by flushing the eye, but more serious injuries require medical attention. Read More Eyes The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both. Read More Eyes Although your eyes are small, their structure is incredibly complex. Find out how they work in this body basics article. Read More Strabismus Strabismus is when someone's eyes don't look straight ahead. It might look as if the person has one crossed eye. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More Strabismus Strabismus causes eyes to wander or cross. Treatment may include glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery. Read More Taking Care of Your Vision Even if you're lucky enough to have perfect vision, taking care of and protecting your eyes is vital to keeping your peepers perfect. Learn all about how to take care of your baby blues (or browns or greens) in this article. Read More Vision Facts and Myths Old wives' tales abound about the eyes. From watching TV to eating carrots, here's the lowdown on some vision facts and fiction. Read More Visual Impairment When one or more parts of the eye or brain that are needed to process images become diseased or damaged, severe or total loss of vision can occur. Read all about visual impairment. Read More Your Child's Vision It's important for kids to have their eyes examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early. Read More Your Eyes Ever wonder how your eyes work? This article for kids takes you from the pupil to the retina and beyond. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.