Silmävärve

Silmävärve is a Finnish term that translates to "eye tremors" or "nystagmus" in English. It refers to involuntary, rapid, and repetitive movements of the eyes. These movements can be horizontal, vertical, circular, or a combination of these. Nystagmus can affect one or both eyes and can vary in severity, from barely perceptible to very noticeable.

The condition can be congenital, meaning a person is born with it, or it can develop later in life due to various underlying causes. Congenital nystagmus is often associated with visual impairments present from birth, such as albinism or underdeveloped optic nerves. Acquired nystagmus can result from neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, head injury, or inner ear problems. Certain medications or substance abuse can also induce nystagmus.

Individuals with silmävärve may experience reduced visual acuity, difficulty with depth perception, and sometimes dizziness or a sensation of the world moving. The specific symptoms and their severity depend on the type and cause of the nystagmus.

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, along with a neurological assessment if an acquired cause is suspected. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause if possible, or managing the symptoms. This can include vision correction with glasses or contact lenses, vision therapy to improve eye control, or in some cases, surgical interventions to reduce the amplitude of eye movements. While nystagmus cannot always be cured, many individuals learn to adapt and manage the condition effectively.