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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/eyemovementdisorders.html

Eye Movement Disorders

Summary

When you look at an object, you're using several muscles to move both eyes to focus on it. If you have a problem with the muscles, the eyes don't work properly.

There are many kinds of eye movement disorders. Two common ones are:

  • Strabismus - a disorder in which the two eyes don't line up in the same direction. This results in "crossed eyes" or "walleye."
  • Nystagmus - fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, sometimes called "dancing eyes"

Some eye movement disorders are present at birth. Others develop over time and may be associated with other problems, such as injuries. Treatments include glasses, patches, eye muscle exercises, and surgery. There is no cure for some kinds of eye movement disorders, such as most kinds of nystagmus.

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Children

  • Photoscreening (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)
  • Strabismus (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus)

Adults

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.