Dr. Orwa Nasser MD MPH - Removing glasses in cases of nystagmus

Removing glasses in cases of nystagmus

Many people suffer from nystagmus, also called eye shaking. Nystagmus is a condition in which there are involuntary eye movements, where the eyes constantly move without control. In most cases, the eyes move horizontally, right to left in a shaking manner, but in other cases, the eyes may move vertically or in a circular pattern. Nystagmus is usually accompanied by poor and reduced vision, and most patients suffering from nystagmus wear glasses. These patients also often have light sensitivity, feel as if the world is shaking, suffer from dizziness, and experience other vision problems.

Nystagmus is usually a congenital condition and can be caused by various eye diseases. Beyond poor vision, nystagmus patients face two significant difficulties:

1. - Most cannot obtain a driver’s license due to poor vision, which makes them less independent in mobility.
2. - Some patients also suffer from reduced self-image due to nystagmus.

This is why medical intervention for nystagmus is crucial, to help patients gain independence, possibly obtain a driver’s license, and live a normal life without limitations. In addition, treatment improves self-image and builds self-confidence.
 

Can Laser Eye Surgery Be Performed in Nystagmus Patients?

Yes, absolutely, as long as the condition of the eye allows it. Since nystagmus is usually accompanied by poor vision and astigmatism, many patients wear glasses. Laser surgery for eyeglass removal not only frees the patient from glasses but also improves vision quality.
 

What Examinations Are Needed Before Laser Eye Surgery in Nystagmus Patients? 

A full eye exam is recommended, including:

• - vision test,
• - complete refraction test
• - corneal mapping
• - retinal mapping
• - dilated eye exam performed by a nystagmus specialist, such as Dr. Orwa Nasser.

Based on corneal condition, degree of refractive error and astigmatism, corneal thickness, personal and family history, occupation, habits, hobbies, expectations, and visual potential, Dr. Nasser will help choose the safest and most suitable procedure.
 

Does Nystagmus Affect Laser Eyeglass Removal Surgery?

No. As long as the eye exam, refractive error, corneal thickness, and corneal mapping allow it, the surgery can be performed regardless of the presence of nystagmus.
 

What Types of Surgeries Can Be Performed in Nystagmus Patients?

In laser eye surgery, vision problems are corrected at the corneal level by using a special laser that reshapes the cornea’s surface. This allows clear and sharp vision without relying on glasses or contact lenses. After the surgery, patients are not only free from glasses and contact lenses but also from their costs and daily hassle.

For nystagmus patients, the type of surgery is selected individually, based on examination results, vision potential, and lifestyle. The most suitable procedures are Femto-LASIK, PRK, Trans-PRK, and SMILE.

• - Femto-LASIK: A corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser (without surgical blades). The cornea is then reshaped with another laser and the flap is repositioned.
• - PRK and Trans-PRK: The cornea is reshaped with a laser without creating a flap or disc. In PRK, the outer epithelial tissue is removed to allow the laser to reach the stroma. In Trans-PRK, the epithelium is not removed first but comes off at the end of the procedure. The epithelium regenerates within 3-5 days.
• - SMILE: A very thin disc-shaped tissue is created inside the cornea using the femtosecond laser and removed through a tiny incision shaped like a smile, hence the name.

In all laser procedures performed by Dr. Nasser, no knife or needle is used. The results are highly accurate, precise, painless, with very high success rates and excellent outcomes.