eyes moving side to side very rapidly for a split second

[kpuzzlerss]

My question...

My doctor and 2 opthamologists I see, both tell me they have never heard of my eye symptom I will describe, which just makes me even more concerned about it.

This used to happen only a few times a week, but now happens everyday a few times usually.

If my eyes are focused on 1 word when I read something or if my eyes are focused on the tip of a pen when I am writing, in my field of vision my eyes will do what I am terming "a jitter."  Seems to happen more so when I am writing.

It happens in an instant, but both eyes will very rapidly move from side to side, maybe 5 or 6 times in a row.  Not sure if it is indeed the eyes themselves or just what I see.  Sometimes I will even shake it off after it did it, with my head.  This whole thing lasts maybe a split second.  And no one I have every described this to has ever had it or heard of it either.

So I'm wondering if this is a sign of something coming on... a tumor, more serious eyes problems such as blindness in the future, etc?  I do have chronic dry eye, but flaxseed oil has improved that tremendously, so it barely bothers me anymore.

[troyviper19]

It can also be ocular fluttering which can be a symptom of MS or other neurological disorders.Get it checked asap.

[hhhaaallleeeyyy]

I'm 15 and my eyes do this a few times a week. I don't know if age has anything to do with it, but sometimes it gives me a headache and worries me.

[stormraven73]

@ hhhaaallleeeyyy:

Nystagmus is usually present from birth or a young age, and it is usually benign, so I wouldn't worry too much.  I've had it since I was at least 4, and other than causing momentary dizziness, I've never had a problem with it.  I do recommend having an eye doctor familiar with nystagmus check you out to be sure it isn't caused by a more serious condition (rare), but I wouldn't be too concerned.

[JohnHaganMD]

=

[Brklynclm]

I have the exact same thing happen. It first happened when I was a young girl probably 6 or 7. It don't remember it happening very much until the past 5 years when I started playing video games more or switching my view from the rear view mirror to the windshield while driving also reading. I'be brought it up to eye Dr and they have taken pictures of the back of my eye and said everything looks normal and I have 20/20 vision. They recommended a neurologist but I have yet to have it examined. The eye Dr. wasn't familiar with what I was talking about either.

[Brklynclm]

And it's my left eye only.