Roaming Nystagmus

DS went for his 4m check at the MCHN on Wednesday, and she noticed his eyes moving from side to side rapidly and that he wasnt following objects. She also said he had a red reflex. Off to the Drs we went, where she diagnosed Roaming Nystagmus.

We have an appointment with the Opthamologist on the 27th October in Melb at the RCH.

Has anyone else's child/children had this? Both the Dr and MCHN said it can go away by itself. DH is worried and panicking (as always). I am on the inside, but not showing it.

When I rang the specialists rooms today, she said the appointment would go for 1-1.5hrs and said something about drops. Now Im really starting to worry what they are going to do to my bubba.

I have Googled roaming nystagmus, but all that comes up is Roving Nystagmus.

Afraid I can't really comment at all on the condition, but Sam has been to a paediatric ophthalmologist and had the drops, just for another reason.

The appointment was quite long - we first saw a junior doctor who had a look at Sam's eyes and how he followed moving objects. She then put the drops in his eyes and we sat and waited while they worked. After that we went in to see the actual specialist and got a more thorough examination. Sam slept through most of it.

The drops are simply drops to stop the eyes focussing. I've had them myself as part of an eye exam and while they are annoying, they don't hurt. Sam was only three months old for our appointment - the drops didn't worry him at all, but it may be different with an older child.

BW

Butterfly Warrior- Thank you for replying, and Im sorry I didnt post sooner. Been flat out.
After reading ur reply, I do feel a bit less stressed out at the idea of the drops and stuff. The Dr we will be seeing really knows what he is doing, and he also trains all the other pead opthamologists.

My DS1 has infantile nystagmus. The first appointment is the longest usually. Most of it is actually waiting for the eye drops to take effect as they dilate the pupil to allow the opthamologist to see the back of the eye. Oh, make sure that you take sunglasses or a hat or something to shade his eyes after the appointment as he will be very sensitive to light for a couple of hours.

We have an appointment every 6 months to check his eyes and make sure they are not getting worse. Cooper's eyes flicker from side to side even now and it is not something he will outgrow. It gets worse when he is tired or sick.

Cooper has been checked for eyesight deficiency and may need glasses when he gets to school but so far he is fine.

Feel free to ask any questions if there is something specific you are interested in. I might be able to help.

Choc- Thanks for that. Will have to keep an eye out for sunnies and a hat when Im at the shops next.
The MCHN told me that they can grow out of it. I have noticed Logans eye flicker from side to side more when he is tired. Do all babies/kids with this need glasses when they get older?

No, not all. Many don't but they are at a higher risk for eyesight deficiencies. Both DH and I wear glasses so it doesn't bother us. Currently his eyesight is pretty good and there are no concerns but he may need help when he starts to learn to read and write. It is not certain though.