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Eye Movement Disorders
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Eyes Vision

Eye Movement Disorders

Eye movement disorders occur when the muscles responsible for focusing the eyes do not function properly, leading to issues with alignment or control.

Overview

When you look at an object, you use several muscles to move both eyes to focus on it. If you have a problem with these muscles, the eyes do not work properly.

Common Types

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

  • Strabismus: A disorder in which the two eyes do not line up in the same direction, resulting in "crossed eyes" or "walleye."
  • Nystagmus: Fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, sometimes called "dancing eyes."

Causes and Management

Some eye movement disorders are present at birth, while others develop over time and may be associated with other problems, such as injuries. Treatments include glasses, patches, eye muscle exercises, and surgery. It is important to note that there is no cure for some kinds of eye movement disorders, such as most forms of nystagmus.

Frequently Asked Questions

For many cases of mild to moderate strabismus, a structured vision‑therapy program—often involving prism glasses, patching, and targeted eye‑movement drills—can strengthen the control muscles. Improvement may be seen after 6–12 weeks of consistent practice, but results vary. Nystagmus is usually less responsive to therapy; however, certain exercises can reduce the intensity of the oscillations in some individuals. Always follow a program prescribed by a qualified eye‑movement specialist.
Surgery is considered when non‑surgical treatments fail to align the eyes, when the misalignment causes significant double vision or limits depth perception, or when the disorder threatens vision loss. Risks include infection, bleeding, over‑correction or under‑correction, and the need for additional procedures. Discuss the specific surgical options, success rates, and potential complications with your ophthalmologist before deciding.
Look for signs such as one eye turning inward, outward, upward, or downward (strabismus) and rapid, rhythmic eye movements that may look like “dancing” or “trembling” (nystagmus). If the child’s eyes do not stay aligned while focusing on a near or far object, or if they frequently squint or cover one eye, schedule an eye exam with a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Notice if the eye misalignment becomes more pronounced, if double vision appears or worsens, if the child’s reading or school performance declines, or if they start to complain of headaches or eye strain. Any sudden change in eye position or new symptoms warrants prompt re‑evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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