Imagine you are sitting perfectly still in a chair or on a sofa. But you notice that the picture on the wall, the flower pot on the table, or even the person in front of you is shaking or swaying a little. It's like the phone shaking when you hold it in your hand and take a video. This is not really anything else, it's just a way for your eyes to see. This experience is what we call oscillopsia in medical terms. Although this is a strange word, there may be people among us who experience this condition.
What exactly is Oscillopsia?
Simply put, oscillopsia is a vision problem in which you feel as if things you see are moving, flickering, jumping, or vibrating, even when you're still. This is not really an eye disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition in the systems that control our body's balance, particularly the nervous system that involves the brain and inner ear.
It can be really hard to live with at times. This throbbing can be worse when walking, working, or watching a car go by. It can even make it a challenge to do everyday tasks.
Is this situation dangerous?
Oscillopsia itself is not dangerous. However, the underlying medical condition that causes it can be dangerous. For example, if the cause of this symptom is a brain tumor or a disease like multiple sclerosis, it can be serious if not diagnosed and treated quickly. Therefore, if you have a symptom like this, it is very important to see a doctor without ignoring it.
Why is this happening? What are the reasons?
Even when we move our heads, our eyes can still focus on one thing. This is helped by a very complex connection between our brain, inner ear, and eyes. Oscillation occurs when this connection is damaged. Then, even if the head moves slightly, the eyes cannot match the movement. The result is that stationary objects appear to be moving.
Here are some of the main reasons that could affect this.
| The category to which the reason belongs | Examples |
|---|---|
| Neurological diseases affecting the brain | Seizures, Brain Tumors, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis |
| Diseases affecting the inner ear | Diseases that affect balance, such as Ménière's disease |
| Diseases that cause brain swelling | Infections such as meningitis |
| Inherited qualities | Albinism, Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) |
| Alcohol and drug use | Damage to the nervous system due to excessive alcohol or drug use |
| Side effects of some medications | Medications such as lithium, aminoglycosides, and carbamazepine |
| Eye diseases | Strabismus, Cataracts |
| Vitamin deficiencies | Vitamin B-12 deficiency |
How do you identify this exactly?
When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you about these symptoms in detail. Then, they will perform an eye exam and a neurological exam. This will help them understand the position of your eyes and how they coordinate their movements.
Several other tests may be done to find the underlying cause.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) or MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan): To see if there is any problem with the brain.
- Ear exam: Check for problems with the inner ear.
- Blood tests: Identify vitamin deficiencies or infections.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): Check the functioning of the heart.
- Echocardiogram: See the structure and function of the heart.
What are the treatments for this?
Remember, treatment for oscillopsia depends on the underlying cause . Once the cause is identified, your doctor will recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for you.
For example, if the cause is nystagmus, treatments may include:
- Special glasses or contact lenses that clarify vision.
- Medications that treat the condition that causes nystagmus.
- Injection of botulinum toxin (Botox®) into the muscles that move the eyes.
- Surgery to reposition the muscles that move the eyes.
Vision therapy
Sometimes, there are special exercises to improve eye control and strengthen the eyes. These are called vision therapy. These exercises may include things like:
- Slowly move your eyes from side to side and up and down.
- Tilting the head to the sides and forward and backward.
- Getting up from a sitting position (with eyes open and closed).
- Walking across a room (with eyes open and closed).
- Throwing a ball from one hand to the other.
Medication
There is no specific treatment for oscillopsia. However, depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may prescribe various medications. For example, medications such as Ampyra® for multiple sclerosis, Baclofen® for muscle relaxation, and Gabapentin® for epilepsy.
Are Vertigo and Oscillopsia the same thing?
Many people confuse these two, but these two are different.
Vertigo is the feeling that you or the world around you is spinning. It's a problem with our vestibular system, which is responsible for our balance.
Oscillopsia is when things you see seem to be moving or flickering. This is a problem with the ocular motor system, which controls eye movement.
Simply put, in Vertigo you feel dizzy. In Oscillopsia your vision is not stable.
When should I see a doctor?
Immediately! If you have symptoms like blurred vision or blurred vision, do not delay and see your doctor immediately . He or she will refer you to a specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, if necessary.
Never ignore these symptoms. Sometimes, they can be the first sign of a serious illness. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you achieve a better outcome.
Sometimes, even with treatment, the condition may not be completely cured. In such cases, your doctor will guide you on ways to live with the condition and improve your quality of life. So don't be afraid.
Take-Home Message
- Oscillopsia is a vision problem in which you feel things you see flicker or move, even when you are still.
- This is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of another underlying condition (often involving the brain or inner ear).
- This symptom should never be ignored, as it could be a sign of a serious medical condition.
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause, so an accurate diagnosis is very important.
- If you or someone you know has this type of vision problem, see a doctor as soon as possible.
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