Involuntary Eye Movements
Involuntary Eye Movements as a Symptom of Addiction
Involuntary eye movement is a condition where you have no control over the movement of the eye, even over blinking. It is also known as “dancing eyes”. It’s a symptom of addiction which can affect one of the eyes or both. When left for a significant amount of time without being treated, it could lead to blurriness and other vision problems. In some medical texts, it’s also classified as “Nystagmus”.
Abusing substances, being addicted to a substance, or withdrawal from a substance could lead to these involuntary eye movements. If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing this symptom, you will notice rapid eyeball movements that sometimes also come with dizziness. Keep in mind that there are different forms of this movement – horizontal, vertical, and rotary. Therefore, signs and treatment could differ based on the type you, or your loved one, is experiencing.
The Signs of Involuntary Eye Movement
Being able to notice the signs of involuntary eye movement goes a long way in helping you, or your loved one, in determining how to go about getting treated. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- Blurriness
- Fast eye movement that you cannot easily control
- Circular eye movement – as in the case of rotary nystagmus
- Up and down movement of the eye – as in the case of vertical nystagmus
- Side to side movement – as in the case of horizontal nystagmus.
- Dizziness
Why See a Professional for Involuntary Eye Movement?
If you are addicted to any substance, or you are close to someone who is, and these signs are being experienced, it’s advisable to get medical help as fast as you can. This is because if the involuntary eye movement is left to linger for a long time, it could lead to other complications. Getting the right treatment will help eliminate that possibility, and also the other symptoms associated with substance abuse, addiction, or withdrawal.
It’s important to note that there are other causes of involuntary eye movement. Addiction or abuse of substances might be a major factor, but others like inherited genetic condition, multiple sclerosis and other diseases that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS), brain tumor, deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B-12), infections, and diseases of the eye and inner ear, trauma or stroke, should not be underestimated. Getting to know what the cause of your condition exactly is, helps prevent further ailments.
During a visit to the doctor, you will hear questions related to l what environmental conditions you live in, what medications you have taken, how long you have been experiencing the symptoms, and/or what other underlying health conditions you have. The health expert is also likely to carry out an MRI, CT scan, X-ray or a refraction test – to help determine how to treat the vision problems. Blood tests may be conducted to be sure you aren’t lacking in any vitamins. Testing the eye focus and measuring your vision are also other processes that may be done. This is all in a bid to diagnose you properly and provide the right treatment.
If you, or your loved one, is suffering from infantile involuntary eye movement, then the root cause might be genetic. In some cases, this lessens as the person gets older. Some people take substances to enable them to control it, and the abuse of these substances leads to more symptoms.
Therefore, if you notice some sensation in the ear, rapid eyeball movement, difficulty in focusing on an object or fast blinking, you better have the eyes checked. Consult a health professional today and get the right treatment for you or a loved one who may be abusing drugs, as addiction is proven to be one of the causes for involuntary eye movement.
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